Abstract: A method of connecting two components includes providing an assembly including a first component and a second component, optically sensing a connection region between the first component and the second component to produce an image, defining a substantially elliptical path in a three-dimensional space based on the image, and initiating relative movement between the assembly and welding means such that the welding means is positioned, by relative movement, along the substantially elliptical path to produce a weld between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A method of connecting a fixture to a case component at an opening on the case component, the case component having a base and a wall disposed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the case component having an interior surface and an exterior surface, includes positioning a first end of the fixture within the opening in the case component such that the first end of the fixture is substantially flush with the interior surface of the wall of the case component. Then welding the fixture to the case component along the interior surface of the case component. Further disclosed is a welded apparatus that includes a first component, an opening, a fixture, and a weld between the first component and the fixture that is located along an inner surface of the first component.

Abstract: A method of connecting two components includes providing an assembly including a first component and a second component, optically sensing a connection region between the first component and the second component to produce an image, defining a substantially elliptical path in a three-dimensional space based on the image, and initiating relative movement between the assembly and welding means such that the welding means is positioned, by relative movement, along the substantially elliptical path to produce a weld between the first component and the second component.