Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring weld cell and related activity is disclosed. The activity is sensed using a variety of sensors, and reported to the controller, or to a remote location.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a first component and a second component having a stem with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A flange extends from the first end and defines an electrical contact surface area. The second end is permanently joined to the first component at a mating surface. The mating surface defines a first surface area at the second end and the electrical surface area is equal to or greater than the first surface area.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch assembly configured to establish a welding arc between an electrode and workpieces separated by a narrow groove utilizing power from a power supply while moving the electrode radially in a desired pattern by a motion control assembly within the welding torch assembly. The welding torch assembly includes a nozzle through which the electrode is fed and within which the electrode is radially moved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring weld cell and related activity is disclosed. The activity is sensed using a variety of sensors, and reported to the controller, or to a remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring weld cell and related activity is disclosed. The activity is sensed using a variety of sensors, and reported to the controller, or to a remote location.

Abstract: A contact tip is provided for wire welding applications. The contact tip includes one or more conductive brushes fitted to a conductive contact tip body. Fibers of the brush extend into a passageway traversed by welding wire in operation. Electrical current is transmitted to the brush assembly and through the brush fibers to the welding wire. The fibers may transmit the current directly and also may enhance contact of the welding wire with one or more walls of the contact tip. Improved electrical contact and weld quality are obtained.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling ventilation in a welding helmet is provided. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of system types, and may reduce or eliminate the need for a shroud or barrier around the head and neck of the welder, of the type used in PAPR systems. The airflow system includes forward and rearward air streams, directed onto the face of the welder, onto the top of the head of the welder, and toward the back of the head of the welder. The air streams help to cool the welder, provide a fresh source of air for breathing, and create a positive pressure system that reduces or excludes entrainment of contaminated external air into the forwardly directed air flow. Certain embodiments may include streams that are filtered, split or redirected via deflectors and conduits to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch assembly configured to establish a welding arc between an electrode and workpieces separated by a narrow groove utilizing power from a power supply while moving the electrode radially in a desired pattern by a motion control assembly within the welding torch assembly. The welding torch assembly includes a nozzle through which the electrode is fed and within which the electrode is radially moved.

Abstract: A weld recording system mounted in or on a welding helmet is provided. The weld recording system includes a camera assembly unit, a power supply unit, a processor, and removable memory. The weld recording system interfaces with lens control circuitry, an optical sensor, a welding power supply, and a helmet position sensor. Logic is provided for the triggering and recording of video and audio signals, which are eventually stored in a file for future reference. Transmission of signals from one or more welders to a monitoring station for eventual display is presented. An image processing algorithm is provided to combine multiple images with varied exposure times into a visual image of the weld and its surroundings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring weld cell and related activity is disclosed. The activity is sensed using a variety of sensors, and reported to the controller, or to a remote location.

Abstract: A damper system is connected between pivotal components of a vehicle suspension system to inhibit movement of the components during a condition of potential vehicle roll. The system can be actively or passively controlled. The damper system can have a single damper or multiple dampers and may be connected to work in conjunction with vehicle stabilizers including torsion bars, single compensator stabilizing systems and dual compensator stabilizing systems. In the compensator stabilizing systems, the damper can be separate from the compensators or integral with the compensators. The dampers also can be formed as integral structures with shock absorbers. The dampers can be of various types, including but not limited to linear dampers and rotary dampers.

Abstract: A weld recording system mounted in or on a welding helmet is provided. The weld recording system includes a camera assembly unit, a power supply unit, a processor, and removable memory. The weld recording system interfaces with lens control circuitry, an optical sensor, a welding power supply, and a helmet position sensor. Logic is provided for the triggering and recording of video and audio signals, which are eventually stored in a file for future reference. Transmission of signals from one or more welders to a monitoring station for eventual display is presented. An image processing algorithm is provided to combine multiple images with varied exposure times into a visual image of the weld and its surroundings.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling ventilation in a welding helmet is provided. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of system types, and may reduce or eliminate the need for a shroud or barrier around the head and neck of the welder, of the type used in PAPR systems. The airflow system includes forward and rearward air streams, directed onto the face of the welder, onto the top of the head of the welder, and toward the back of the head of the welder. The air streams help to cool the welder, provide a fresh source of air for breathing, and create a positive pressure system that reduces or excludes entrainment of contaminated external air into the forwardly directed air flow. Certain embodiments may include streams that are filtered, split or redirected via deflectors and conduits to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Abstract: An airflow system is provided for a welding helmet. The airflow system includes an air intake with a filter, a blower, and a battery mounted to the rear of headgear for a welding helmet. A manifold wraps around the side and front of the headgear and directs air from the blower to the front of the headgear. The manifold includes a lower vent for directing air onto a user's face and an upper vent for directing air over a user's head toward the rear of the headgear. The vents are intended to create positive pressure to impede the entry of unfiltered air into the user's breathing zone. The manifold further includes a portion of flexible tubing for adjusting the size of the airflow system in conjunction with adjustment of the headgear diameter. The airflow system generally conforms to the structure and shape of the headgear to maintain a location close to the user's head.

Abstract: A contact tip is provided for wire welding applications. The contact tip includes one or more conductive brushes fitted to a conductive contact tip body. Fibers of the brush extend into a passageway traversed by welding wire in operation. Electrical current is transmitted to the brush assembly and through the brush fibers to the welding wire. The fibers may transmit the current directly and also may enhance contact of the welding wire with one or more walls of the contact tip. Improved electrical contact and weld quality are obtained.

Abstract: A ball socket ring seal for use with a ball joint assembly eliminates the need for a boot or bellows to protect the ball joint against the environment. The ball socket ring seal of the invention is positioned between the ball and the socket at the point of contact between the ball and socket. The ball socket ring seal not only provides a seal against the environment, it further functions as a wiper for the ball during articulation of the ball stud. The ball socket ring seal of the present invention reduces the weight and complexity of the ball joint assembly through the elimination of several parts, including the known boots or bellows, retainer rings, bands and clips.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet having an enlarged bulbous body and a cylindrical extension projecting therefrom, the projection and body defining axially aligned openings therethrough. The cylindrical projection is configured to retain a washer on the outside thereof and a fastener on the inside thereof.

Abstract: The body bolt absorber assembly includes a lower body absorber made from rubber or a similar material with an undersized aperture, formed either during manufacture or by subsequent piercing, to slideably engage and capture a bolt. The lower body absorber further includes interior cylindrical walls with an inwardly extending lip thereby forming a chamber to engage and capture a washer. The washer includes an aperture through which the shaft of the bolt passes. The engagement and capture of the bolt and the washer provides for a one-piece modular assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system having first and second pivotal components with an anchor above one of the pivotal components and an anchor below the other of the pivotal components. The stabilizer includes a bending member connected to the first and second anchors. The bending member can be of a variety of shapes to fit within the suspension systems architecture on various vehicles.

Abstract: A method and structure for installing an automotive suspension member is herein disclosed. A fastener used to couple a link member includes a head, a shaft extending from the head and a self-holding mechanism that prevents rotation of the fastener when it is engaged with an aperture formed through a mating member. The self-holding mechanism obviates the need for more than one tool for installing the link member.