Abstract: A tool may include a column system, a floating system, and/or an electrode system. The floating system may be connected to the column system. The floating system may include an energizer. The electrode system may be connected to the floating system. The floating system may automatically return the electrode system to a home position when an external force moves the electrode away from the home position.

Abstract: An impact absorption device is provided having a generally cylindrically shaped impact absorption member formed of an extruded material. The exterior wall defines an interior volume and further includes a flanged portion that extends to at least one end of the absorption member. A bracket assembly is removably secured to the flanged portion of the mounting member for attaching the impact absorption device to a freestanding object such as a piling or docking post. Due to the design of the flange of the absorption member, a plurality of members may be coupled together using an appropriately designed bracket for accommodating the cover of pilings of docking posts of various lengths.

Abstract: An actuator designed for use with a welding gun of the type having a first electrode movable in a straight line toward and away from a second electrode supported by a welding arm. The actuator includes a housing with a first and second end. A bushing with a generally square opening defined therethrough is supported in the first end of the housing. An actuator rod extends through the square opening in the bushing and has a first end inside the housing and a second end disposed external to the housing. The actuator rod has an external surface with a generally square cross section such that the external surface engages the square opening to prevent rotary motion of the rod with respect to the housing. A drive mechanism is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the rod with respect to the housing. The drive mechanism may be a pneumatic actuator or a rotary screw drive.

Abstract: An impact absorption device is provided having a generally cylindrically shaped impact absorption member formed of an extruded material. The exterior wall defines an interior volume and further includes a flanged portion that extends to at least one end of the absorption member. A bracket assembly is removably secured to the flanged portion of the mounting member for attaching the impact absorption device to a freestanding object such as a piling or docking post. Due to the design of the flange of the absorption member, a plurality of members may be coupled together using an appropriately designed bracket for accommodating the cover of pilings of docking posts of various lengths.

Abstract: A modular welding gun includes a frame and an upper and lower yoke both interconnected with the frame. One of the yokes is movable with respect to the frame. An upper weld arm has one end removably interconnected with the upper yoke and the other end designed to support an electrode. A lower weld arm has one end removably interconnected with the lower yoke and the other end designed to support an electrode. An actuator is operable to move the movable yoke between a welding position and a rest position.

Abstract: An actuator designed for use with a welding gun of the type having a first electrode movable in a straight line toward and away from a second electrode supported by a welding arm. The actuator includes a housing with a first and second end. A bushing with a generally square opening defined therethrough is supported in the first end of the housing. An actuator rod extends through the square opening in the bushing and has a first end inside the housing and a second end disposed external to the housing. The actuator rod has an external surface with a generally square cross section such that the external surface engages the square opening to prevent rotary motion of the rod with respect to the housing. A drive mechanism is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the rod with respect to the housing. The drive mechanism may be a pneumatic actuator or a rotary screw drive.

Abstract: An improved welding apparatus and method of use including a pair of opposed electrodes mounted on arms which are fixed against outward displacement during the application of the welding current. One of the arms includes a pneumatic cylinder for moving an electrode to and away from the work piece. The cylinder includes a piston rod attached to a clutch by a ball screw mechanism. A brake assembly is connected to the unidirectional clutch to prevent outward displacement of the electrodes during expansion of a weld nugget and permitting inward movement of the electrodes to provide indentation of the weld after the nugget softens.

Abstract: An improved dock bumper having a square tubular frame, a pair of cushions, and mounting brackets is disclosed. The frame is formed of a crosspiece and a pair of upright posts. The mounting brackets are provided with hole groupings for mounting to either the underside or stringer of a dock. The cushions are formed of blow molded plastic and are molded in a unitary construction in two semi-circular half portions, each having an inner channel formed to receive the vertical posts.