Abstract: A welding assembly including a current generator, a first electrode electrically coupled to the current generator, the first electrode including a first engagement surface, and a second electrode electrically coupled to the current generator, the second electrode including a second engagement surface and defining a recess in the second engagement surface.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode support structure in which local heating can be prevented from occurring in a workpiece during the electric heating. The electrode support structure is usable for applying a load to the electrodes used for the electric heating of a metal plate, and comprises at least two members, i.e., a first member to which the electrodes are fixed and a second member which receives the load from the first member or connects the first member to a load means. The support structure in which the two members are joined to each other through an elastic member can uniformly apply the load to the electrodes for electric heating so that the electrodes can uniformly contact with the workpiece, whereby the workpiece can be uniformly heated.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a conductive body and a plurality of emissive inserts. The conductive body includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a cavity extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The distal end portion defines a distal end face. The plurality of emissive inserts extend through the distal end face. The conductive body further defines a dimple extending into the distal end face and at least partially into the emissive inserts. The dimple is positioned concentrically about a centerline of the conductive body.

Abstract: A cold-formed electrode tip for use in spot welding is provided. The cold-formed electrode tip includes a base, a rounded face, and an annular wall extending along a longitudinal axis of the electrode tip, the annular wall having a thickness such that the annular wall is configured to be readily deformed by a handheld tool.

Abstract: A method of identifying and selecting welding electrodes and welding output parameters on a welding power source is provided. The method includes identifying electrodes and/or electrode packaging with distinct colors and/or patterns which correspond to properties of the electrode. The method also may include employing distinguishable identifying markings on a power supply which correspond to the electrodes to be used to allow for easy setting of output parameters.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.

Abstract: A substantially ring-shaped seat section (8) protrudes from an inner circumference wall in a through hole (4) of a container attaching section (6) made of a metal. On an outer circumference of an electrode shaft (3) held in the through hole (4) through an insulator (5) made of a synthetic resin, locking protrusions (13, 14), which have a diameter larger than a hole diameter of the seat section (8), are provided at a distance from the seat section (8), on at least inner side or outer side of the seat section (8) in a shaft direction of the electrode shaft (3). Thus, for instance, when the inside of the metal container (2) is at a high temperature, the insulator (5) is destroyed and the electrode shaft (3) is to jump out from the container attaching section (6) to the outside or the inside of the metal container (2), the locking protrusions (13, 14) lock the seat section (8) and prevent the electrode shaft (3) from jumping out.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head comprise an elongated electrode holder with a front surface on the electrode tip and a hole arranged in the electrode tip along a central axis through the electrode holder, and an emission insert arranged in the hole such that an emission surface of the emission insert is exposed. The emission surface is set back relative to the front surface of the electrode holder. An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head also comprise an electrode socket and an electrode holder, the electrode socket having an internal thread, and the electrode holder having an external thread and an O-ring in a groove in the cylindrical outer surface. The electrode holder is screwed together with the electrode socket via the external thread and the internal thread and sealed by means of the O-ring.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch is provided by the teachings of the present disclosure. In one form, the electrode includes a conductive body, a plurality of deformed emissive inserts, and a dimple. In one form, the plurality of emissive inserts are concentrically nested about the centerline of the conductive body, and the dimple is positioned concentrically about a centerline of the conductive body. The plurality of emissive inserts and the dimple increase the life of the electrode.

Abstract: An in-liquid plasma electrode according to the present invention is an in-liquid plasma electrode for generating plasma in a liquid and has an electrically conductive member having an electric discharge end surface in contact with the liquid, and an electrically insulating member covering an outer periphery of the conductive member at least except the electric discharge end surface. Preferably, d and x satisfy ?2d?x?2d, where d is a length of a minor axis of the cross section when a conductive end portion of the electrically conductive member having the electric discharge end surface has an approximately circular cross section, or d is a length of a short side of the cross section when the conductive end portion has an approximately rectangular cross section, and x is a distance from a reference plane to a plane containing the electric discharge end surface when the reference plane is an end surface of the electrically insulating member that is approximately parallel with the electric discharge end surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to an electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising a generally tubular outer wall, an end wall, and a protrusion. The end wall is joined to a distal end of the outer wall and supports an emissive element in a generally central region. The protrusion extends from the generally central region of the end wall and is configured to connect with an electrode holder by a releasable connection, wherein the protrusion is configured such that at least one coolant passage forms between the protrusion and the electrode holder when the electrode is connected with the electrode holder. In some embodiments, the releasable connection comprises a threaded connection, wherein the protrusion is threaded to releasably connect to a threaded coolant tube of the electrode holder. In other embodiments, at least one coolant passage is defined by the threaded connection.

Abstract: An electrode unit configuring a resistance welding device is provided with a first chassis section and a second chassis section. A plurality of stepped hole sections are formed in the first chassis section, and an electrode pin is slidably provided in each stepped hole section. On the head section of the electrode pin, a resin ball configuring a welding pressure adjusting mechanism is disposed. In the second chassis section, a screw hole is formed coaxially with each stepped hole section, and a setscrew configuring an extrusion output adjusting mechanism for adjusting an extrusion output of the electrode pin is screwed into each screw hole.

Abstract: A resistance welding head with parallel electrodes includes two parallel electrodes each having an electrode body and an insulation layer through which the two electrode bodies are insulatively secured to each other. An upper electrode tip and a lower electrode tip are disposed at two opposing ends of each electrode body respectively. The two upper electrode tips form an upper welding head tip of the resistance welding head with parallel electrodes, while the two lower electrode tips form a lower welding head tip of the resistance welding head with parallel electrodes. The upper welding head tip is able to weld the welding piece to be welded, and the lower welding head tip may also weld the welding piece.

Abstract: A welding assembly including a current generator, an electrode electrically coupled to the current generator, the electrode including a first engagement surface, and a workpiece including at least two members, wherein at least one of the members includes a second engagement surface, defines a recess in the second engagement surface, and is electrically coupled to the current generator.

Abstract: Spot welding electrodes with generally dome shaped welding faces are provided with surface features for welding both aluminum alloy sheet assemblies and steel sheet assemblies. A raised circular plateau is formed on the central axis of the dome and, in one embodiment, a suitable number of round bumps are formed in concentric spacing from adjacent the circumference of the plateau toward the circular edge of the welding face. For welding steel workpieces the plateau mainly serves as the engaging feature of the electrode. Both the plateau and concentric bumps are used in penetrating light metal surfaces for suitable current passage. In another embodiment, the domed surface is shaped with concentric terraces for engagement with the workpieces.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.

Abstract: A weld gun system for detecting the orientation of a weld nut relative to the metallic component to which it is to be welded prior to welding is disclosed. The system includes a lower electrode having a weld location pin, an upper electrode having a central circular recess formed therein, a fluid supply fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode, and a pressure switch also fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode. Once the weld nut is captured between the electrodes the fluid flows from the fluid supply into the central circular recess of the upper electrode. If the weld nut is in proper orientation the fluid continues to flow to the pressure switch and the weld occurs. If the weld nut is not in proper orientation the fluid does not flow to the pressure switch but is instead vented from the central circular recess and the weld does not occur.

Abstract: A welding electrode for use in engaging an aluminum alloy workpiece during a spot welding process has a weld face that includes a base surface and a plurality of circular ridges that project outwardly from the base surface. The circular ridges are blunted, and their presence on the weld face provides the first welding electrode with several useful capabilities, including the ability to establish better mechanical and electrical contact with the aluminum alloy workpiece.

Abstract: A welding device includes a lower tip and an upper tip, as welding tips, and pressuring members. The pressuring members are supported by a support member disposed in the upper tip. The pressuring members are displaced by the action of pressuring member displacement mechanisms and, together with the upper tip, come into contact with a metal plate arranged on the outermost part of a laminated body.

Abstract: A welding electrode for resistance spot welding includes a weld face comprising rings of ridges that project outwardly from a base surface of the weld face. The rings of ridges are positioned on the weld face to contact and impress into a sheet metal workpiece surface during resistance spot welding. If the welding electrode is used during resistance spot welding of light metal alloy workpieces, such as those of aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy, the rings of ridges on the weld face can contribute to improved welding performance.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode (1) which has a double structure including Cu or a Cu alloy as an electrode body (2) and a core material (3) made of W, Mo, a W-based alloy, or a Mo-based alloy embedded in a surface of the electrode body (2) which is abutted against a material to be welded, the core material (3) being formed by using W, Mo, the W-based alloy, or the Mo-based alloy which is in the form of a fibrous structure extended by sintering, swaging, and annealing in an electrode axis direction, the fibrous structure having a horizontal cross-sectional average particle diameter of 50 ?m or more and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more. The electrode (1) can be used as an inexpensive electrode obtained by suppressing particle dropping/attrition and defects in electrodes for spot welding, in which heat and pressure are applied repeatedly, stably enhancing durability.

Abstract: An electrode head of the plasma cutting machine is provided. The electrode head comprises a sheath, a bearing means, an electrode core, a first brazing means and a second brazing means. The sheath has a first end and a second end. A first flange extends radially inward from the first end. The bearing means has a third end and a fourth end. A second flange extending from the third end is fixed to the first flange of the sheath via the first brazing means. A protrusion portion is provided axially from the interior of the fourth end. A recess portion is extending from the third end into the interior of the protrusion portion. The electrode core is fixed in the recess portion via the second brazing means.

Abstract: A Universal Stake Adapter for a Dent Repair Stud Welder that provides an economical alternative for holding and heating a stake required during thermoplastic repair operations.

Abstract: Welding electrodes with a welding face for contact with a metal surface for electrical resistance welding are provided with concentric contoured rings formed into the face. The rings may, for example, be ridges upstanding in the face or grooves depressed into the face. The contoured rings may be radially spaced with relatively flat (depending on the curvature of the face) intervening rings. When the electrode is pressed into contact with the surface of the workpiece for delivery of a welding current, the features of the concentric rings penetrate surface oxides or other conductivity barriers. When ongoing welding operations have eroded the contoured rings they may be rapidly reformed in the weld face in a surface re-dressing operation.

Abstract: A method of generating a welded assembly includes providing a work-hardened steel component. The method also includes annealing a region on the work-hardened steel component to impart a local temper to the region such that formability of the region is increased. The method additionally includes forming a projection on the annealed region. Furthermore, the method includes clamping a panel against the projection and joining the panel and the work-hardened steel component at the projection via a welding apparatus to generate the welded assembly. A system for generating a welded assembly employing the disclosed method and a method of generating a reinforced assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.

Abstract: A heating element includes a continuous planar strip and a plurality of mounting members. A path of the continuous strip from a first end to a second end is circuitous and includes a plurality of repeating cycles, each of which includes a plurality of first straight segments, a plurality of second straight segments and a plurality of radiused segments. A length of the first straight segment is greater than a length of the second straight segment and an angular sum of a single cycle of the circuitous path is greater than 360 degrees. The heating element can be incorporated into a heating assembly for, as an example, semiconductor processing equipment.

Abstract: A welding assembly including a current generator, an electrode electrically coupled to the current generator, the electrode including a first engagement surface, and a workpiece including at least two members, wherein at least one of the members includes a second engagement surface, defines a recess in the second engagement surface, and is electrically coupled to the current generator.

Abstract: A spot welding gun for resistance welding of workpieces, includes a base body and a bracket, in which electrode holders are arranged, the electrodes being in turn arranged in the holders. At least one electrode holder is fixed to an actuator that enables the electrode holder fixed thereto with the electrode to be displaced in longitudinal direction towards other electrodes. To protect the electrodes, a winding device with a band is arranged, the band being displaceably arranged between the contact surface of the electrode and the workpiece opposite the electrode. The winding device assigned to the displaceable electrode is connected to the displaceable electrode so that it moves at the same time as the electrode when the electrode is moved in longitudinal direction. The electrode holders and the electrodes have devices for guiding the band from the winding device axially along the electrode holders towards the electrode and vice versa.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a substantially pillar-shaped honeycomb unit having cells defined by cell walls. The cell walls include silicon carbide particles having a nitrogen-containing layer provided on surfaces of the silicon carbide particles. A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes preparing paste containing silicon carbide particles. The paste is molded to form a honeycomb molded body. The honeycomb molded body is fired in an inert atmosphere containing no nitrogen to obtain a substantially pillar-shaped honeycomb unit having cells defined by cell walls. The honeycomb unit is heated in an environment containing nitrogen to provide a nitrogen-containing layer on surfaces of the silicon carbide particles forming the cell walls.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a first electrode tip; a second electrode tip opposing the first electrode tip; and an electrically conductive part which is provided so as to be freely interposed between the second electrode tip and a work and ensures electrical conduction between the second electrode tip and the work when the electrically conductive part is interposed between the second electrode tip and the work, the electrically conductive part including an electrically conductive member one side of which opposes the work with a presence of a void space from the work when the electrically conductive member is interposed between the second electrode tip and the work, and against which the second electrode tip is abutted on another side thereof, and a pair of electrically conductive abutment members which are provided integrally with the electrically conductive member in such a manner as to extend toward the work, and distal ends of which are abutted against the work, a position of abutment of the electrically

Abstract: A welding electrode includes an electrode holder and an electrode cap removably attached to the holder and having a central longitudinal axis. The cap includes a body having an end, and a welding surface that is substantially smooth and free from any grooves defined therein, and has a first diameter of from about 7 to 10 mm, a first radius of curvature, and a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius. The cap includes a skirt portion extending away from the body and configured to bear against the holder. The skirt portion has a first face that is substantially parallel to the axis and spaced apart from the surface. The body has a second face interconnecting the first face and the surface, and the body tapers from the first face to the surface. A method of forming a resistance spot weld joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resistance welding apparatus includes a welding gun having a first electrode tip serving as a first welding electrode, a second electrode tip serving as a second welding electrode, and a current branching electrode. The current branching electrode has an annular shape and is disposed in surrounding relation to the first electrode tip. The first electrode tip and the current branching electrode abut against a thinnest workpiece disposed on an outermost side of a stacked assembly that is resistance-welded by the resistance welding apparatus, and have opposite polarities to each other. When an electric current is passed from the first electrode tip to the second electrode tip and through the stacked assembly, a branched electric current flows from the first electrode tip to the current branching electrode.

Abstract: A method for holding together an electrically non-conductive stack of objects, such as a stack of magazines or foil strips includes forming the stack of objects; and applying to one side of the stack a static polarity with a planar, semi-conductive electrode.

Abstract: Weld faces of electrodes for resistance spot welding are formed with a suitable area of protrusions and/or intrusions. The size, shape, and elevation or depths of the protrusions or intrusions are determined for the formation of suitable spot welds in and between metal workpieces such as aluminum or steel panels for vehicle bodies. The protrusions or intrusions are also conceived and used to form an image on at least a visible surface of the welded article to produce an attractive appearance on the surface of the welded sheet.

Abstract: A resistance welding system includes a plurality of first electrodes, and a second electrode which is provided facing the plurality of first electrodes and which is electrically connected to a welding power source. The welding system welds a plurality of weld members sandwiched between the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode by resistance welding. A current feed roller which is electrically connected to the welding power source and which rotates while successively contacting the plurality of first electrodes for successively feeding current to the plurality of first electrodes and a pressing device which is designed to move in the rolling direction together with the current feed roller and presses the current feed roller so as to successively apply welding pressure to the plurality of weld members W are included in the resistance welding system.

Abstract: A device is provided in which a pressing electrode (19, 105) is advanced toward a steel plate component (48, 131) to press a welding projection (4) of a shaft-shaped component (1) against the steel plate component (48, 131), so that the shaft-shaped component (1) is electric-resistance-welded to the steel plate component (48, 131). Pressing force accumulating means (22, 128) for accumulating the pressing force of the pressing electrode (19, 105) is disposed between a pressing member (17, 106) and a pressed member (18, 121). Detection means (54, 113, 3) activated when the pressing member (17, 106) is located at a predetermined position is provided to apply welding current flowing to the electrode, and pressing force adjusting means (55, 123) for adjusting the activation position of the detection means (54, 113, 3) is provided.

Abstract: Spot welding tongs for robotic applications in resistance welding of workpieces, in particular sheets, comprise tong arms, mounted such as to pivot on a base body. These tongs which may be adjusted and to which electrode holders for the electrodes are fixed and a winding device with a pay-out roller and a wind-in roller, for the winding in and out of a strip to protect at least one electrode. These spot welding tongs may be produced, in which access is not seriously affected and with a very simple and compact construction, whereby the pay-out roller and the wind-in roller of the winding device are arranged on the base body, or the tongs arm and at least one guide groove, for guiding the strip, is arranged in the tongs arm and/or the electrode holder.

Abstract: Disclosed are a resistance welding method for welding a stack of three or more works and a device therefor. A stack is formed in such that the thinnest work having the smallest thickness among the works is placed in the outermost position. The stack is held between a first welding electrode and a second welding electrode. A pressing member is brought into contact with a location of the thinnest work different from the location with which the first welding electrode is in contact, and the pressing member is caused to press the stack from the thinnest work side. In a state that the pressing force exerted on the stack by the first welding electrode and the pressing member is balanced with the pressing force exerted on the stack by the second welding electrode, current is applied between the first welding electrode and the second welding electrode.

Abstract: In an earth electrode apparatus, a cradle having first, second, and third shanks to which first, second, and third earth electrodes can be attached respectively is coupled to a shaft supported by a base. The cradle is coupled thereto in a tiltable manner. If the surface of a workpiece is irregular or inclined, the cradle tilts for balancing with the workpiece to ensure equal contact pressure for the contact of the first, second, and third earth electrodes with the workpiece, thereby offering stable contact irrespective of surface irregularity or inclination. Since a welding current is split to flow into the first, second, and third earth electrodes through respective points of contact thereof with the workpiece, it is possible to reduce current density at each of the points of contact and to avoid heat generation ascribable to conductive resistance at each of the points of contact.

Abstract: A method for operating a welding device (1), wherein the welding device has at least one welding electrode (4), which is operated with at least one variable electrical reference value and wherein this electrical reference value is controlled by a control device (6), wherein the control of the electrical reference value takes place with allowance being made for a set of reference data (25) that is characteristic of a welding operation to be carried out. According to the invention, the set of reference data (25) is determined on the basis of at least one set of raw data (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d), wherein this set of raw data (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) is characteristic of the welding operation to be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resistance welding electrode (1) having a shaft-shaped holder (2) and an electrode part (3; 3?) in the form of an electrode cap (5) or a pin electrode (7) which are non-positively connected via tapered surfaces. Furthermore, cooling bores (9) are also present. In such a resistance welding electrode (1) the tapered cone angle is in a region of about 1 degree to 3 degrees and the holder (2) and the electrode part (3; 31) are connected such that the holder (2) and the electrode part (3; 3?) are further in axial contact with each other via a radial surface contact (6), and the edge (15) of the electrode part (3; 3?) facing the holder is restrained in an associated reception recess (16) on the holder side by means of reduction.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for consolidation welding of an electrical conductor, in particular to an electrical terminal, preferably for resistance-monitored circuitry in a motor vehicle, having a bottom welding tool, on which a conductor section to be consolidated can be arranged, as well as three movable welding tools, whereby with a movable welding tool, which has two translational degrees of freedom, a width of the conductor section to be consolidated can be variably adjusted with reference to the bottom welding tool, and the other two movable welding tools can be moved in such a way that they seal off a compression chamber delimited by the width of the conductor section to be consolidated in a direction of its perimeter.

Abstract: A welding head for the formation of a metal mesh includes longitudinal wires (12) and transverse wires (13), having at least a feed unit (16) able to feed step-wise a plurality of longitudinal wires (12), and a welding unit (17) by which the longitudinal wires (12) are welded to corresponding transverse wires (13). The welding unit (17) includes at least two electrodes (19,20) selectively movable between a first feed position and a second welding position. The welding head includes at least a movement member (22) to move the first electrode (19) between the first and the second position, first sensor members (25) associated with the movement member (22) and configured to detect the position of the first electrode (19) with respect to the two wires (12,13) and/or second sensor members (30,31) to detect the working pressure of the first electrode (19).

Abstract: A method of identifying and selecting welding electrodes and welding output parameters on a welding power source is provided. The method includes identifying electrodes and/or electrode packaging with distinct colors and/or patterns which correspond to properties of the electrode. The method also may include employing distinguishable identifying markings on a power supply which correspond to the electrodes to be used to allow for easy setting of output parameters.

Abstract: A seam welding apparatus and a seam welding method perform a seaming process on workpieces of various shapes having flange sections, by preventing a welding track formed by upper and lower rotary electrodes from becoming displaced from a welding reference line established on the flange section. The seam welding apparatus includes two rotary electrodes for gripping the flange section therebetween while seam-welding the flange section, a support for synchronizing movements of the two rotary electrodes with each other in a widthwise direction of the flange section, a turning mechanism for pressing at least one of the two rotary electrodes toward the workpiece body, a roller that abuts against an end face of the flange section, and roller adjusting means for positionally adjusting the roller.

Abstract: A spot welding gun for resistance welding of workpieces, includes a base body and a bracket, in which electrode holders are arranged, the electrodes being in turn arranged in the holders. At least one electrode holder is fixed to an actuator that enables the electrode holder fixed thereto with the electrode to be displaced in longitudinal direction towards other electrodes. To protect the electrodes a winding device with a band is arranged, the band being displaceably arranged between the contact surface of the electrode and the workpiece opposite the electrode. The winding device assigned to the displaceable electrode is connected to the displaceable electrode so that it moves at the same time as the electrode when the electrode is moved in longitudinal direction. The electrode holders and the electrodes have devices for guiding the band from the winding device axially along the electrode holders towards the electrode and vice versa.

Abstract: A melt-solidified substance includes melt-solidified portions formed by welding, build-up spray welding, metallizing or fusing. The melt-solidified portions have the alloy composition containing Zr: 0.0005 to 0.05 mass %, P: 0.01 to 0.34 mass %, Cu: the remainder and satisfying the relationship between the contents of P and Zr, [P]/[Zr]=0.3 to 20, and the mean grain size in the macrostructure after melt-solidification is 300 ?m or less. If Fe and/or Ni are contained in the melt-solidified portion as inevitable impurities, the content of Fe or Ni is restricted to be 0.3 mass % or less when either Fe or Ni is contained, and the total content of Fe and Ni is restricted to be 0.4 mass % or less when both Fe and Ni are contained.

Abstract: A weld gun system for detecting the orientation of a weld nut relative to the metallic component to which it is to be welded prior to welding is disclosed. The system includes a lower electrode having a weld location pin, an upper electrode having a central circular recess formed therein, a fluid supply fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode, and a pressure switch also fluidly connected to the central circular recess of the upper electrode. Once the weld nut is captured between the electrodes the fluid flows from the fluid supply into the central circular recess of the upper electrode. If the weld nut is in proper orientation the fluid continues to flow to the pressure switch and the weld occurs. If the weld nut is not in proper orientation the fluid does not flow to the pressure switch but is instead vented from the central circular recess and the weld does not occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of detecting the correct and complete loading of parts in one or more assembly fixtures. A missing or incorrectly loaded part results in an airflow from a respective part cavity in an assembly fixture and a switch assembly, which can be located distal from the assembly fixtures, detects the airflow and provides a signal indicating that the fixture is not correctly loaded. Conversely, if each and every part is correctly loaded into the assembly fixtures, no airflow occurs and the switch assembly outputs a signal indicating that the assembly fixtures are correctly loaded and that subsequent manufacturing/assembly operations can be performed.