Abstract: A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wire conveying mechanism, preferably for a welding, cladding or additive manufacturing apparatus, with a slip clutch mechanism connectable to a motor. Such a wire conveying mechanism may include a wire feeder for feeding an electrode wire in a welding system having a drive roller assembly comprising a plurality of drive rollers to grip the electrode wire and to pull the electrode wire from an electrode wire source toward a conduit and a torque-managing device operatively coupled between a motor and the drive roller assembly, wherein the torque-managing device receives the rotational force from the first motor and regulates the first torque to output a second torque to the drive roller assembly.

Abstract: A wire conveying mechanism, preferably for a welding, cladding or additive manufacturing apparatus, with a slip clutch mechanism connectable to a motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a metalworking operation. The method includes measuring a force feedback from a wire being fed from a feeder, the wire contacting a workpiece, determining a change in the force of the force feedback, and adjusting either a heating of the wire or a feed rate of the wire based at least in part on the change in the force of the force feedback. Also disclosed are apparatus for effecting the foregoing.

Abstract: A wire conveying mechanism, preferably for a welding, cladding or additive manufacturing apparatus, with a slip clutch mechanism connectable to a motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wire conveying mechanism, preferably for a welding, cladding or additive manufacturing apparatus, with a slip clutch mechanism connectable to a motor. Such a wire conveying mechanism may include a wire feeder for feeding an electrode wire in a welding system having a drive roller assembly comprising a plurality of drive rollers to grip the electrode wire and to pull the electrode wire from an electrode wire source toward a conduit and a torque-managing device operatively coupled between a motor and the drive roller assembly, wherein the torque-managing device receives the rotational force from the first motor and regulates the first torque to output a second torque to the drive roller assembly.

Abstract: A method for controlling a metalworking operation. The method includes measuring a force feedback from a wire being fed from a feeder, the wire contacting a workpiece, determining a change in the force of the force feedback, and adjusting either a heating of the wire or a feed rate of the wire based at least in part on the change in the force of the force feedback. Also disclosed are apparatus for effecting the foregoing.

Abstract: A system and method providing a human controlled user interface for navigating around a virtual object when a user is in a confined physical space. A virtual object comprising a representation of an exterior of a real world object is presented on a display. A set of interactive elements may be added to the physical object, the interactive elements providing additional information regarding the physical object when engaged by the user. User movements are tracked within the confined space adjacent to the display. The virtual perspective of the user is then altered about the physical object coincident with the user movement in the confined space. When a user selects an interactive element, additional information associated with the virtual object is provided. The information can include at least a different visual perspective of a second portion of the virtual object.

Abstract: A processor implemented method, system and computer readable medium for performing transactions of user generated content in a centralized marketplace is provided. User generated content files usable in a game during gameplay are received from users to the centralized marketplace. A restriction on use of the user generated content files is applied. The user generated content files are presented within the centralized marketplace. A request to purchase a user generated content file in the centralized marketplace is received from a first user and a purchase transaction between the first user and a content owner of the user generated content file is completed.

Abstract: A processor implemented method, system and computer readable medium for performing transactions of user generated content in a centralized marketplace is provided. User generated content files usable in a game during gameplay are received from users to the centralized marketplace. A restriction on use of the user generated content files is applied. The user generated content files are presented within the centralized marketplace. A request to purchase a user generated content file in the centralized marketplace is received from a first user and a purchase transaction between the first user and a content owner of the user generated content file is completed.

Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may include disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.

Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may comprise disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention provides a welding torch nipple for coupling a welding cable and neck assembly to one another. The exemplary nipple includes two hollow tubes: an inner tube disposed in an outer tube. The inner tube includes features that facilitate mating with a welding cable and the outer tube is configured to receive a neck assembly. A dielectric layer disposed between the inner and outer tubes electrically isolates the outer tube from the inner tube, thereby protecting a user from electrical shock, for instance. The dielectric layer includes a stem portion that extends radially into the outer tube, blocking axial separation of the outer tube and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a welding torch that includes features facilitating aligned assembly of various components of the welding torch with respect to one another. For example, the welding torch includes a nipple that carries a pin member extending from both an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral of a sleeve of the nipple. This pin engages with a slot on a coupling member and a slot on a neck assembly, thereby facilitating proper alignment of the neck assembly, coupling member, and nipple with respect to one another. Moreover, the engagement between the pin member and the slots block pivotal displacement of neck assembly, coupling member, and neck assembly with respect to one another. Advantageously, the use of a single pin member for both slots presents a more judicious construction, leading to reduced manufacturing costs, for instance.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention relates to a welding torch. The welding torch includes a first hollow member through which wire electrode is routed and that has a plurality of protrusions that extend from an inner surface thereof. Advantageously, these protrusions of the exemplary welding torch increase the surface area of the first hollow member, and increasing the surface area improves the ability of the welding torch to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment, for instance.

Abstract: A method for revascularizing a coronary vessel with a conduit through the heart wall having a diameter transition in the myocardial leg, wherein blood flow is in the direction of transition from larger to smaller diameter. A method for revascularizing a coronary vessel using an implant with a myocardial leg having a maximum cross-sectional area proximate a first end, and inserting the first end through the myocardium into a heart chamber so that the implant directs blood flow into the coronary vessel. A transmyocardial implant with a myocardial leg including point of minimum diameter and a first end with a larger diameter, and a vessel leg in fluid communication with the myocardial leg.

Abstract: A method for revascularizing a coronary vessel with a conduit through the heart wall having a diameter transition in the myocardial leg, wherein blood flow is in the direction of transition from larger to smaller diameter. A method for revascularizing a coronary vessel using an implant with a myocardial leg having a maximum cross-sectional area proximate a first end, and inserting the first end through the myocardium into a heart chamber so that the implant directs blood flow into the coronary vessel. A transmyocardial implant with a myocardial leg including point of minimum diameter and a first end with a larger diameter, and a vessel leg in fluid communication with the myocardial leg.