Abstract: A continuous tube welding method which locates each tube and then moves a welding torch in orthogonal X, Y directions to form a continuous weld over a plurality of tubes disposed in a plurality of rows. The tube location is indicated by a probe which also measures tube diameter.

Abstract: A welding torch is rotatably mounted in a carriage. The carriage and welding torch are driven by motors and driveshafts mounted on a base to provide a light carriage which can be rapidly accelerated as the torch moves from tube to tube when forming a continuous weld encompassing the juncture of a plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A gas tungsten arc welding torch having an elongated gas nozzle (18) with an oblong cross section designed for deep groove, narrow gap welding. The nozzle is rotatably coupled to and communicates with a gas port within the main torch body (16) and defines a gas passage along the length of the welding electrode (10), which extends through the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The nozzle (18) includes a detachable end section (42) which captures and supports a replaceable gas lens (30) disposed within the gas passage of the nozzle within 7/8 to 1 inch from the nozzle orifice (40), and traverse to the direction of gas flow. The electrode (10) is formed from a solid tungsten rod center (12) and a concentric outer sleeve (14) substantially lower in electrical resistivity than the tungsten rod, which is adhesively and cohesively bonded to the tungsten. The outer sleeve extends from the point of electrical connection (32) within the main torch body (16) to a point on the tungsten electrode downstream of the gas lens.

Abstract: A method of applying a gas shielded tungsten arc welding process in a deep, narrow groove joint wherein the shield gas is directed to the weld puddle through an elongated gas nozzle 14 which surrounds a substantial length of the welding electrode and is sized to extend into the groove. The improvement including incrementally increasing the width (20) of the nozzle to correspond to increases in the width of the groove at preselected increases in the width of the groove as the nozzle is withdrawn from the groove during successive weld passes. The preselected elevations and nozzle widths are chosen so that the desired gas shield area does not substantially exceed 1.25 times the nozzle width.