Electrodes (e.g., Structure) Patents (Class 219/119)
  • Publication number: 20040238500
    Abstract: A resistance welding tip assembly having a welding tip support to which a welding tip is secured. A sleeve is constructed of an electrical insulating material, such as ceramic, and the sleeve includes a throughbore along a preset axis. The sleeve is slidably mounted to the welding tip support along the preset axis between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the welding tip support. A compression spring disposed between the welding tip support and the sleeve urges the sleeve towards its extended position. The welding tip extends through the sleeve throughbore and is of the same size and cross-sectional shape as the sleeve. Furthermore, when the sleeve is in its extended position, a free end of the welding tip is recessed within the sleeve throughbore. Conversely, when the sleeve is in its retracted position, the free end of the welding tip is adjacent a free end of the sleeve and accessible for a welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6825436
    Abstract: One electrode 6 is provided with a recess 16 for receiving and holding a cap 13 and the other electrode 8 is provided with a recess 36 for receiving and holding a nut 10. The thus held cap 13 and nut 10 are pressed against each other by the advance of the electrode 6 and have an electric current passed therethrough, whereby both are welded. Further, to feed parts to the recesses 16 and 36 of both electrodes, there are installed a cap feeding mechanism 19 and a nut feeding mechanism 38 that perform square motions, respectively having feed members 18 and 37 adapted to hold the cap 13 and nut 10 therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Aoyama, Shoji Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20040222198
    Abstract: Provided is a local heatsink welding device and a method of welding using the same. The local heatsink welding device includes a welding torch disposed above welds of two pieces of a base metal placed in contact with each other to be welded, the welding torch welding the pieces of the base metal by melting a welding wire on the welds of the base material and fusing the pieces together; and a cooling unit disposed to be able to spray a low-temperature fluid from the sides of the welding torch, the cooling unit cooling at least a portion of a heat-affected zone formed around the outside of a fusion zone in which the base material is molten during welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Korea Power Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Sung Kim, Tae Eun Jin
  • Patent number: 6770833
    Abstract: A micro-welding electrode which is installed in a welding machine and applied to the electronics industry and spot electric welding industry. The micro-welding electrode includes two integrated electrodes which are made from high-temperature-resistant materials and has a placed insulation between the two electrodes. The insulation between the two parallel electrodes is an insulative chipbonder with the function of agglutination, fixation, insulation and separation, and allows for dispensing with an insulative rivet. Simultaneously, the tip of the two parallel electrodes is positioned into mutual Ohm contact. Not only can the electrode directly weld enameled wires but also has the quality of effectively welding bare wires, sheet metal and metal tapes. The electrode has a simple and reliable construction, is low in production cost, has a good quality of welding and allows for high work efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Shi tong Yang
  • Patent number: 6762391
    Abstract: A resistance welding electrode that is particularly suited for resistance spot welding a workpiece to a substrate without cross-contaminating specific portions of the workpiece is described. This is done by sheathing an internal surface of the welding electrode with a thermoplastic polymeric material. Then, there is only contact between the welding electrode and the workpiece at the very distal end of the electrode adjacent to where the workpiece is to be connected to the substrate. Contamination in this area is not detrimental because subsequent workpiece plating does not take place there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Wile, David Warchocki
  • Patent number: 6750419
    Abstract: A welding electrode for welding a fastener to an object is provided. The electrode includes a housing assembly with a bore disposed in the housing assembly. A pin is disposed within the bore and is movable along an axis between extended and depressed positions. The pin is retained in the bore by a flange on a lower portion of the pin that extends radially outwardly. A spring is arranged within the bore and urges the pin from the depressed position to the extended position in which a weld nut may be loaded onto the pin. The spring has a compressed length indicative of a spring failure. A stop such as a spring insulator is arranged within the bore adjacent to at least a portion of the spring. The stop extends generally longitudinally in the direction of the pin axis. The stop defines a maximum spring compression length in a fully depressed pin position that may be caused from an improperly loaded weld nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Doben Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Roddy, Antonio D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 6740840
    Abstract: A weld nut electrode for differentiating between a properly and an improperly oriented weld nut. The electrode has a conductive portion for passing weld current through the weld nut and an insulated portion electrically isolated from the conductive portion. The conductive portion makes electrical contact with a properly oriented weld nut, and the insulated portion is arranged to prevent physical contact between the conductive portion and an improperly oriented weld nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Feng Cao, James Norman
  • Publication number: 20040065642
    Abstract: A welding electrode for welding a fastener to an object is provided. The electrode includes a housing assembly with a bore disposed in the housing assembly. A pin is disposed within the bore and is movable along an axis between extended and depressed positions. The pin is retained in the bore by a flange on a lower portion of the pin that extends radially outwardly. A spring is arranged within the bore and urges the pin from the depressed position to the extended position in which a weld nut may be loaded onto the pin. The spring has a compressed length indicative of a spring failure. A stop such as a spring insulator is arranged within the bore adjacent to at least a portion of the spring. The stop extends generally longitudinally in the direction of the pin axis. The stop defines a maximum spring compression length in a fully depressed pin position that may be caused from an improperly loaded weld nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Roddy, Antonio D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 6686559
    Abstract: An electrode for supporting an arc in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a metallic holder having a front end and a rear end. An emissive insert cavity is formed in the front end. An emissive insert is mounted in the cavity and is a metallic material having a relatively low work function. The front end is a casting made of a metal which is selected from silver, gold, platinum, rhodium, indium, palladium, nickel and alloys thereof. The rear end is a metal selected from copper and copper alloys. A cylindrical post extends inwardly from the front end of the metallic holder. The cylindrical post has an inner-rear tip portion which is a metal selected from copper and copper alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The American Torch Tip Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Walters
  • Publication number: 20030222054
    Abstract: In a series spot welding method, leading edge portions of pressed electrode tips crush bearing surfaces that are one stage higher than a general portion. Thereby, the bearing surfaces are first deformed into a spherical shape. The bearing surfaces thus deformed into the spherical shape are then brought into spot contact with a second steel plate. Thus, the bearing surfaces thus deformed into the spherical shape form a conduction path narrowed down to a spot, between a first steel plate and the second steel plate. Therefore, the density of welding current flowing through the conduction path can be enhanced, and a nugget of sufficient size can be created between the first and second steel plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Katou, Seiichi Kamiya, Kazuhiro Noma
  • Patent number: 6657153
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining a cavity in a forward end. An emissive element and separator assembly is positioned in the cavity, and no brazing materials are used to secure the components of the electrode. The emissive element, separator, and metallic holder are heated to accelerate diffusion bonding between the emissive element and separator, and between the separator and metallic holder. A crimping process is also disclosed for further strengthening the electrode and increasing the operational life span thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. McBennett, Rue Allen Lynch, Tommie Zack Turner
  • Publication number: 20030213779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nut positioning pin disposed on a lower electrode for the projection welding of a nut. The present invention increases cooling and positioning accuracy, prevents entrance of sputtering particles, and increases the detecting accuracy. The present invention comprises an electrode holder (2) of a double-tube structure having a cooling water passage, a guide ring (13) for guiding a coupling rod (7) for vertical movement, an air passage (m) for preventing the entrance of sputtering particles, a coupling block (28) and a magnetic shield, which comprises a magnetic member for preventing a magnetic detecting element from being affected by an external magnetic field. The present invention accurately guides cooling water and the coupling rod in the electrode holder and prevents sputtering particles from entering the electrode holder, and prevents a detector from being adversely influenced by an external magnetic field for increased detecting accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Masato Hidaka
  • Patent number: 6649860
    Abstract: A transferred plasma heating anode for heating a molten metal in a container by applying Ar plasma generated by passing a direct current through the molten metal, the transferred plasma heating anode comprising; an anode, composed of a conductive metal, that has an internal cooling structure, a metal protector having an internal cooling structure that is placed outside the anode with a constant gap between the anode and the protector, and a gas supply means that supplies an Ar-containing gas to the gap, is characterized by the central portion on the external surface of the anode tip end being inwardly recessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawachi, Kazuto Yamamura, Hiroyuki Mitake, Junichi Kinoshita, Katsuhiro Imanaga, Masahiro Doki, Yoshiaki Kimura, Teruo Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6627841
    Abstract: A method for designing a weld fixture. The method includes modeling a set of distortions produced by applied mechanical forces on a material to be welded, modeling a set of distortions produced by applied thermal forces on the material to be welded, determining a set of reaction forces at a series of locations on a simulated weld fixture as a function of the modeled distortions, and designing a weld fixture as a function of the set of reaction forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiao Chen, Yi Dong, Edward T. Martin, Zhishang Yang, Wayne Tanner
  • Patent number: 6621036
    Abstract: A pogo welding apparatus especially for spot welding metal sheets at selected locations spaced away from their edges wherein the sheets are held in a temporary assembly with the selected locations engaged and separate programmable positioners move a primary (pogo) electrode and a backup electrode sequentially against opposite sides of the selected locations to spot weld the sheets at the selected locations in sequence. Various alternative programmable positioners, including robots of varying types, may be used to carry the electrodes. A multi head back-up electrode is adapted for efficient use of the apparatus and method in difficult to reach workpiece locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Peter C. Sun, Pei-Chung Wang, Charles Weldon Wampler, II, Douglas Martin Linn
  • Patent number: 6603090
    Abstract: Method for applying a wear-resistant layer comprising a nickel alloy matrix and intercalated tungsten carbides and/or vanadium carbides to a surface which is to be protected using arc welding or plasma welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Durum Verschleissschutz GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schreiber, Peter Knauf
  • Publication number: 20030116539
    Abstract: A resistance welding electrode that is particularly suited for resistance spot welding a workpiece to a substrate without cross-contaminating specific portions of the workpiece is described. This is done by sheathing an internal surface of the welding electrode with a thermoplastic polymeric material. Then, there is only contact between the welding electrode and the workpiece at the very distal end of the electrode adjacent to where the workpiece is to be connected to the substrate. Contamination in this area is not detrimental because subsequent workpiece plating does not take place there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Marvin Wile, David Warchocki
  • Patent number: 6576859
    Abstract: A welding assembly is provided for welding a fastener to an object such as a vehicle body panel. The assembly includes a weld gun having first and second electrodes movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode includes a housing assembly. A pin is received in the housing assembly and is movable when in said closed position between a desired nut position, and upside down nut position, and a no nut position. An optical sensor has a terminal end space from the pin for direction light thereon. The terminal end of the sensor received reflected light from the pin. A sensor control system processes the reflected light into a signal corresponding to one of the desired nut, upside down nut, and no nut positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Doben Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Cabanaw
  • Patent number: 6545244
    Abstract: A welding arrangement comprises first and second parts to be welded with an edge portion of the first part and an edge portion of the second part juxtaposed to form a weld zone. An electrically-conductive sheet(s) with a higher melting temperature than a melting temperature of the first and second parts are placed over the weld zone and a force application device is used to apply a lateral compressive force to the weld zone. First and second electrodes are placed in contact with the electrically conductive sheet(s) which are resistively heated and in turn conductively heat the weld zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute
    Inventors: Jerry E. Gould, Lawrence R. Lehman, David P. Workman
  • Patent number: 6528753
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, wherein the electrode comprises a metallic holder defining a cavity in a forward end. An emissive element and separator assembly is positioned in the cavity. The emissive element has a layer of relatively non-emissive material on the outer surface thereof, which is preferably applied by heating the emissive element to a high temperature such that the emissive element becomes reactive, and spraying the relatively non-emissive material on the emissive element. The coated emissive element is positioned in the separator and the assembly is heated such that the relatively non-emissive material forms a strong bond between with the separator. The superior bonds between the emissive element and separator formed according to the present invention extend the life span of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. McBennett
  • Patent number: 6518532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of fusing a pin to a wire to reliably form a good quality fusion joint includes placing the pin and insulated or uninsulated wire in a notch of a lower fusing electrode so that the pin is spaced a predetermined distance above the wire. The upper fusing electrode applies fusing current and heat symmetrically to the pin and notch side walls and the portion of the lower electrode beneath and in contact with the wire. Heat is transferred to soften the pin and burn or vaporize the insulation off the wire before the pin and wire touch. Since all parts are held symmetically, parts can not skew or burn off un evenly. Electrode pressure builds to drive the soften, heated pin and wire together and to apply fusing current through the contacting pin and wire to form a good fusion joint. Another aspect of the invention includes forming the lower fusing electrode with a plurality of fusing notches to afford quick operator set-up and sequential, automatic fusing of the series of wire/pin assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Joyal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Riordan, Allan S. Warner
  • Patent number: 6518537
    Abstract: A welding electrode tip dressing apparatus for grinding a pair of electrode tips mounted on two opposite shanks and for removing the electrode tips when they are spent. The dressing apparatus includes a tip grinding unit and a tip removal unit. The tip grinding unit is provided with a cutter so as to grind the pair of electrode tips. The tip removal unit is provided with a removal mechanism so as to remove the pair of electrode tips from shanks holding the electrode tips. The tip grinding unit and the tip removal unit are arranged side by side in an apparatus body and connected to a drive transmission mechanism connected to and driven by a single drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kyokutoh Company
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Tezawa
  • Patent number: 6515251
    Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding is disclosed. The method includes providing a first metallic workpiece having a primary surface and a second metallic workpiece having a secondary surface. The method also includes positioning the primary surface into physical contact with a first electrode and a second electrode into physical contact with the secondary surface. The second electrode includes a secondary actuator. The method also includes measuring contact force between the first electrode and the second electrode, and initiating a current through the first electrode when the contact force reaches a preselected force value. The method also includes forming a weld nugget in at least the second workpiece and a depression in the primary surface of the first workpiece, and controlling the location of the weld nugget by using two different classes of electrodes. The depression in the primary surface is substantially undetectable by a visual examination. A resistance spot welding system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. Wind
  • Publication number: 20030015502
    Abstract: A resistance welding head carries out resistance welding while clamping spots being welded by a pair of electrodes. The head is floated in a direction Y perpendicular to a direction X of juxtaposing the spots being welded. The pair of electrodes clamp the spots being welded while centering by acting a reaction force exerted when the electrodes clamp the spots to the resistance welding head. Then, resistance welding starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kato, Tatsuya Hattori
  • Publication number: 20030010758
    Abstract: A welding assembly is provided for welding a fastener to an object such as a vehicle body panel. The assembly includes a weld gun having first and second electrodes movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode includes a housing assembly. A pin is received in the housing assembly and is movable when in said closed position between a desired nut position, and upside down nut position, and a no nut position. An optical sensor has a terminal end space from the pin for direction light thereon. The terminal end of the sensor received reflected light from the pin. A sensor control system processes the reflected light into a signal corresponding to one of the desired nut, upside down nut, and no nut positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Cabanaw
  • Publication number: 20020185471
    Abstract: This invention deals with a kind micro-welding electrode which is installed in a welding machine and applied to the electronics industry and spot electric welding industry. The micro-welding electrode comprises two integrated electrodes which are made from high-temperature-resistant materials and has an placed insulation between the two electrodes. The insulation between the two parallel electrodes is an insulative chipbonder with the function of agglutination, fixation, insulction and separation, and allows for dispensing with an insulative rivet. Simultaneously, the tip of the two parallel electrodes is positioned into mutual Ohm contact. Not only can the electrode directly weld enameled wires but also has the quality of effectively welding bare wires, sheets metal and metal tapes. The electrode has a simple and reliable construction, is low in production cost, has a good quality of welding and allows for high work efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Shi tong Yang
  • Publication number: 20020179574
    Abstract: A weld nut electrode for differentiating between a properly and an improperly oriented weld nut. The electrode has a conductive portion for passing weld current through the weld nut and an insulated portion electrically isolated from the conductive portion. The conductive portion makes electrical contact with a properly oriented weld nut, and the insulated portion is arranged to prevent physical contact between the conductive portion and an improperly oriented weld nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Feng Cao, James Norman
  • Patent number: 6483070
    Abstract: An electrode for supporting an arc in a plasma arc torch is provided and includes an emissive element for supporting the arc, which may be formed of hafnium; a relatively non-emissive member comprising a first metal including silver, which is positioned to circumscribe a front surface of the emissive element; and a metallic holder for holding the non-emissive member. The holder is in one embodiment made of a copper alloy including a major portion of copper and a minor portion of another metal, such as nickel. After assembly, the electrode is subjected to a heat treatment that causes a thermal bonding between the relatively non-emissive member and the metallic holder, which, during subsequent operation of the electrode, provides good thermal conduction away from the emissive element and improves the consumable life of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Diehl, Michael C. McBennett
  • Patent number: 6478843
    Abstract: An anti-adhesion coating for welding and/or soldering devices and electric contacts for reducing the adhesion of metallic contaminations on their surfaces includes a diamond-like carbon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V
    Inventors: Ralf Wittdorf, Jochen Brand
  • Patent number: 6452130
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining two coaxial cavities. An emissive element is secured to one of the cavities and serves as the cathode terminal for the arc during operation. A relatively non-emissive separator is disposed about the emissive element within the other cavity, and acts to separate the copper holder and the emissive element, as well as resisting detachment of the arc from the emissive element and attachment to the copper holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ding Qian, Tommie Zack Turner, Rue Allen Lynch
  • Patent number: 6433300
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining a cavity in a forward end. An emissive element and separator assembly is positioned in the cavity, and no brazing materials are used to secure the components of the electrode. An intermetallic compound is formed between the emissive element and the separator, and a eutectic alloy is formed between the separator and metallic holder by independent heating steps. A crimping process is also disclosed for further strengthening the electrode and increasing the operational life span thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. McBennett
  • Patent number: 6423922
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrode for a plasma arc torch is disclosed, and wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining an opening therein. An emissive element is secured to a cavity formed in a relatively non-emissive separator having a solid rear wall at one end thereof. The emissive element and separator are positioned within the opening defined by the copper holder such that the emissive element is surrounded by the separator and the copper holder. In this regard, the emissive element is prevented from movement along the longitudinal axis of the torch relative to the separator during a post-assembly heating step. In addition, the emissive element is not exposed to the atmosphere during the heating step, which allows a greater bond between the emissive element and the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerian Nemchinsky
  • Patent number: 6403913
    Abstract: A modification of the electrode geometry for resistance spot welding of aluminum. A ratio of the surface area of the weld nugget to the surface area of the electrode face is about 0.75 to about 1. The diameter of the electrode face is smaller than the industry recommended size and which provides higher current density and reduces the amount of power needed for welding aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Spinella, Charles J. Kostie
  • Publication number: 20020033386
    Abstract: A device with a plasma torch with a rod-shaped non-consumable electrode (3, 4) which is held in a receiver (1), is connected with an electric connection and penetrates a nozzle (9) which is in connection with a gas connection. In order to also enable the rapid and secure welding of difficult alloys it is provided that a further rod-shaped non-consumable electrode (3, 4) is disposed in the receiver (1) which is made from an electrically non-conducting material, which further electrode also penetrates a nozzle (9′) which is in connection with a gas connection, with the two electrodes (3, 4) enclosing an acute angle and each being in connection with a separate voltage source (31, 32) supplying direct voltage pulses, the level of which exceeds at least the arc voltage of an arc between one of the electrodes (3, 4) and a counterelectrode which is associated with the same and connected with the same voltage source (31, 32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Inocon Technologie Ges.m.b.H
    Inventor: Gerhard Schwankhart
  • Patent number: 6355901
    Abstract: A connecting adapter configured to mate on opposite ends with a standard adapter shank and a standard welding electrode of the resistance type. The connecting adapter is a hollow body with male and female connecting portions. The male portion, integral with the female portion, is sized to accommodate the standard welding electrode thereon. The female portion is sized to accommodate a taper portion of the shank within the hollow body and has exterior cross-sectional dimensions similar to those of the shank. The connecting adapter being formed of a wear-resistant conductive martial is replaced only periodically, thus reducing greatly the wear on the more expensive standard adapter shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: The Nippert Company
    Inventor: Russell Alan Nippert
  • Publication number: 20010040148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a welding machine as well as to a welding machine comprising a frame, a first electrode (33) having a fixed position in the frame and a second electrode (35) which is mounted in the frame so as to be movable with respect to the frame, whereby said second electrode (35) can be moved towards the first electrode (33) for welding together components arranged between said two electrodes (33, 35). During displacement of the second electrode (35) from a starting position towards a welding position, the second electrode (35) is moved more rapidly at the beginning of the displacement than at the point where the second electrode is near the position suitable for welding. To obtain said displacement of the second electrode (35), a cam mechanism (10) has been provided between an operating member (12) and a lever (28), which cam mechanism supports the second electrode (35) and is pivotable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Peter Lodevicus Houben, Marinus Adrianus Maria Van De Veerdonk
  • Patent number: 6297467
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode assembly for a spot welder which has an acoustic sensor built therein. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spot welder has a first and second electrode assembly according to the present invention. During welding, the acoustic sensor from the first electrode assembly selectively generates a burst of acoustic energy which passes through a weld subject and is received by the second electrode assembly. The acoustic sensor in the second transducer then emits an output signal, representative of the geometry of the weld nugget, to a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Roman Gr. Maev, Andrei A. Ptchelintsev, John L. Mann
  • Patent number: 6281467
    Abstract: A welding arrangement (10) consists of first and second parts to be welded (4a, 4b) with a portion of the first part and a portion of the second part juxtaposed to form a weld zone (8a, 8b). An electrically-conductive sheet (2) with a higher melting temperature than a melting temperature of the first part (4a) and a melting temperature of the second part (4b) is placed over the weld zone (8a, 8b). A first electrode (12) is placed in contact with the electrically conductive sheet material (2) and a second electrode (14) is positioned and aligned with the first electrode (12) to heat conducively the weld zone (8a, 8b) with an electrical current. For the butt weld configuration (10), a second electrically conductive sheet (6) is placed between the second electrode (14) and the weld zone (8a, 8b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute
    Inventors: Jerry E. Gould, Lawrence R. Lehman, David P. Workman
  • Patent number: 6249966
    Abstract: At electrical connector includes a cylindrical post and a base which carried a layer of solder. The bottom surface of the base is provided with standoffs which extend from the base to space the connector from a surface to which the connector is soldered, to ensure that a minimum volume of solder stays between the connector and the mating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Antaya Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John Pereira, Manuel Machado, Stephen Antaya
  • Patent number: 6225591
    Abstract: A process is provided for forming a resistance welding electrode. The process includes the step of providing a billet formed from a high conductivity metal. The billet includes a first portion having a first inner cavity formed therein. The process further includes the steps of inserting an insert into the first inner cavity of the billet, and deforming the insert so as to mechanically lock the insert in place in the billet. The deformed billet comprises the resistance welding electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Nippert Company
    Inventors: Russell Alan Nippert, Brian Eugene Swank
  • Patent number: 6191381
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch, wherein the electrode comprises a holder having a tapered tip and emissive element concentrically disposed therein. The holder has an included angle of taper at the tip of between about 25° and about 40° and a diameter at the tip approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the diameter of the end surface of the emissive element. The electrode is configured such that the holder comprises a relatively thin holder wall at the tip of the electrode which evaporates due to the heat from the adjacent arc generated through the emissive element such that the tapered tip erodes generally simultaneously with the emissive element. Generally simultaneous erosion of both the holder and the emissive element thus avoids the problems of overheating and/or double arcing and extends the service life of the electrode. A method of operation of a plasma arc torch is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Arefin Kabir
  • Patent number: 6189482
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for depositing titanium films at rates up to 200 Å/minute on semiconductor substrates from a titanium tetrachloride source. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a ceramic heater assembly with an integrated RF plane for bottom powered RF capability allows PECVD deposition at a temperature of at least 400° C. for more efficient plasma treatment. A thermal choke isolates the heater from its support shaft, reducing the thermal gradient across the heater to reduce the risk of breakage and improving temperature uniformity of the heater. A deposition system incorporates a flow restrictor ring and other features that allow a 15 liters/minute flow rate through the chamber with minimal backside deposition and minimized deposition on the bottom of the chamber, thereby reducing the frequency of chamber cleanings, and reducing clean time and seasoning. Deposition and clean processes are also further embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Zhao, Lee Luo, Xiao Liang Jin, Jia-Xiang Wang, Talex Sajoto, Stefan Wolff, Leonid Selyutin, Ashok Sinha
  • Patent number: 6144006
    Abstract: A method for spot-welding aluminum workpieces with copper electrodes that comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving copper and one or more alloying elements X to yield an alloy that increases the liquidus of Al when dissolved in molten Al, super heating the alloy of copper and one or more elements X that normally have little or nor solubility in copper at room temperature, such super heating being a temperature at which X is soluble in copper, X being selected from the group of Mo, Ta, V, and W, elements that form monotectic or peritectic phases with copper and aluminum devoid of an eutectic, X being present in an amount of 4-15% by weight of the copper; (b) rapidly cooling the alloy to room temperature to retain such elements in solid solution; (c) either concurrently or subsequent to step (b), forming the alloy as an electrode shape; and (d) passing current through the electrode shape to effect spot-welding of the aluminum workpieces when pressed thereagainst while extending the welding life of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn Roberta White, Richard Lawrence Allor, Jerald Edward Jones, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6130399
    Abstract: An electrode for use in a plasma arc torch has an insert designed to improve the service life of the electrode, particularly for high current processes. The electrode comprises an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body. The bore can be cylindrical or ring-shaped. An insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material, and in some embodiments, a high thermal conductivity material, is disposed in the bore. The insert can be ringed-shaped or cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhipeng Lu, Richard W. Couch
  • Patent number: 6114650
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch comprises a copper holder having a lower end which mounts an emissive element serving as the cathode terminal for the arc during operation. A relatively non-emissive separator formed of silver alloyed with 0.5 to 4 percent of copper or other metals surrounds the emissive element and separates the emissive element from the copper holder at the exposed end face of the electrode. The separator serves to prevent the arc from detaching from the emissive element and attaching to the copper holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The ESAB Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred William Marner, Wayne Stanley Severance, Larry Wade Stokes, Tommie Zack Turner, Rue Allen Lynch, Valerian Nemchinsky
  • Patent number: 6102606
    Abstract: An unthreaded attachment of a joint eye to the piston rod of a vibration damper or spring strut, particularly by resistance welding. The piston rod and joint eye are held by one clamp electrode each, and the axial force created during welding is absorbed by a stop. A positive-locking connection is arranged between the piston rod and the clamp electrode to achieve axial fixing, so that joint eye can be attached in any installation state of the damper, even when the vibration damper is already installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Horst Muller, Karl-Heinz Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6075219
    Abstract: In order to carry out quick and easy changeover of platens of an electrode unit, a shank holder connects a fixed lower electrode with a platen. Further, a movable upper electrode is connected with another platen by the shank, which is held by the shank holder. The shank holder and the shank are integrally connected with each other, and are positioned in such a manner that the electrodes can perform resistance welding. Merely detaching the shank and shank holder from their respective platens allows the desired electrode units to be mounted on, or removed from, a resistance welder without making any position adjustments of the electrodes. Consequently, adjustment of the positions of the electrodes becomes unnecessary, thereby facilitating quicker and easier changeover of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Furukawa, Hisashi Higuchi, Tsuyoshi Koike
  • Patent number: 6047471
    Abstract: A process is provided for forming a resistance welding electrode. The process includes the step of providing a billet formed from a high conductivity metal. The billet includes a first portion having a first inner cavity formed therein. The process further includes the steps of inserting an insert into the first inner cavity of the billet, and deforming the insert so as to mechanically lock the insert in place in the billet. The deformed billet comprises the resistance welding electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Nippert Company
    Inventors: Russell Alan Nippert, Brian Eugene Swank
  • Patent number: 6015595
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a film on a substrate includes a gas inlet and an insert attached to the gas inlet, the insert including a deposition source material such as lithium. To form the film on the substrate, the substrate is mounted in a vacuum chamber. After the vacuum chamber is pumped clown to a subatmospheric pressure, a first process gas such as argon is provided through the gas inlet and insert and into a plasma region proximate the substrate. Power is then coupled to generate a plasma inside of the insert which heats the insert and causes the deposition source material to vaporize. The deposition source material vapor is mixed with a plasma polymerizable material in the plasma region proximate the substrate causing a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) thin film such as silicon oxide including the deposition source material (e.g. lithium) to be deposited on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: John T. Felts
  • Patent number: 6011237
    Abstract: A resistance welding electrode body is fitted with a metal pin which serves as an anchor point for an electrode welding tip. The electrode welding tip contains two lead-in notches and diagonal grooves that allow the electrode tip to be locked onto the electrode body. This form of electrode has been found advantageous in terms of retaining the electrode tip onto the electrode body during resistance spot welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Yang