Abstract: A spool gun having a very unique look, due to its arrangement of internal and external features. The spool gun has its wire spool compartment located below the handle and the user's hand, when the user is gripping the spool gun in an operational position, thus providing a wire path through the handle to the body of the spool gear wherein the wire feed mechanism is located. The wire feed mechanism includes a 90-degree drive system, which can include a worm gear. A gas/power cable is connected to the body of the spool gun forward of the handle.

Abstract: Hybrid manual and automated welding systems and methods are described. A hand-held welding tool is manually positioned to engage a workpiece. A weld is started from an initial position based on a first manual operator event. A welding heat source is automatically or autonomously moved along the weld relative to the workpiece from the first position to a second position relative to the workpiece during welding.

Abstract: A method and a welding torch for gas tungsten arc welding is provided for, wherein an electric arc burns between a non-consumable electrode and a workpiece. The interior of the electrode has a cavity through which an electrically conducting filler is fed in the direction of the workpiece, the filler being energized.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a housing having facing surfaces in the axial direction, and a welding head turning gear and first to third ring gears inside of the housing. A guide surface is formed on the facing surfaces. The welding head turning gear is coupled to a guide member, and the first to third ring gears are supported by the welding head turning gear and the guide member. Since a roller provided to the guide member rolls on the guide surface to rotatably support the first to third ring gears with respect to the housing, the welding apparatus can be lighter in weight and more compact compared to a conventional welding apparatus.

Abstract: Strip cladding heads and strip cladding systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile hardbanding system that uses PTA welding to perform hardbanding on drill string sections at the well site. The inventive system allows alternate use of PTA and MIG welding. Both a PTA torch and a MIG torch are provided. Changing from one type of welding to the other is simplified by including separate electrical, gas, and cooling conduits for each torch. The torch not in use is parked in the welding compartment near the weld box. The powder hopper for the PTA welding assembly may be mounted on a swivel arm so that it can be moved out of the way when the MIG torch is in use.

Abstract: A fabrication system is disclosed for use in joining two components of a work piece. The fabrication system may have a mount configured to hold the work piece with a void to be filled with material. The fabrication system may also have a scanner configured to capture at least one image of the void, a robotic fabrication device movable relative to the mount, and a controller in communication with the scanner and the robotic fabrication device. The controller may be configured to generate a model of the void based on the at least one image, and to slice the model into at least one layer. The controller may also be configured to develop a tool path for each of the at least one layer, and to cause the robotic fabrication device to deposit material within the void based on the tool path.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving magnetic resonance (MR) signals emitted by an imaging subject includes a receiver coil configured to detect the MR signals and a frequency translating preamplifier coupled to the receiver coil. The frequency translating preamplifier is configured to amplify the MR signals and to convert a frequency of the MR signals to an intermediate frequency. The frequency translating preamplifier may include an amplifier having a predefined gain, a frequency filter configured to filter at least one predetermined frequency and a mixer configured to convert the frequency of the MR signals to the intermediate frequency.

Abstract: A cold metal transfer (CMT) contact tip has a substantially copper-free contact surface defining a wire passage. The CMT contact tip is used with a CMT welding apparatus having a weld wire and a wire feeder for feeding and oscillating the weld wire forward and backward through the wire passage where the weld wire shares a concentric axis with the wire passage.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a real time weaving motion are provided. In order to control operation of a robot in a working space, a main moving path of the robot in the working space is determined, a unit motion constituting the determined main moving path is generated, while a continuous motion in which a unit motion is connected, weaving that dynamically changes offset is generated, and a compensation displacement or a compensation rotation amount that is determined according to the work environment is generated. A position and a rotation amount of the robot are calculated in the working space according to at least one of the unit motion, the weaving, the compensation displacement, and the compensation rotation amount.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for producing a weave pattern across a workpiece with a succession of individual weld short runs or bead, each of which has a center portion extending between two transversely spaced edges. The welder comprising a power source, a wire feeder to direct a welding wire through a movable torch to the workpiece and a controller for creating a welding current between the wire and the workpiece. A mechanical device is used to move the torch along the bead and the controller has a program to perform a first weld process while the torch is moving along the center portion and a second weld process when the torch is adjacent the edges, where the first weld process has less heat input than the second weld process.

Abstract: A robot controller that controls a tandem arc welding system according to the present invention includes a leading-electrode correcting section that calculates a leading-electrode correction amount, used for correcting a displacement in a left-right direction and an up-down direction, from a leading-electrode changing amount calculated by a leading-electrode processing section; a leading-electrode correcting section that calculates a trailed-electrode correction amount, used for correcting a displacement in a rotational direction, from a trailed-electrode changing amount calculated by a trailed-electrode processing section; a rotational-displacement correction controlling processing section that calculates a rotational-center correction amount for correcting the displacement of the leading electrode; and a robot trajectory planning processing section that corrects a teaching position and a position of a rotational center of a welding torch during tracking correction.

Abstract: A welding bug (1) comprising a welding torch (3) for welding in a groove (19). The welding torch (3) is mounted for rotational movement about an axis (21) that is substantially horizontal, relative to the welding bug, (typically tangential to a pipe during use) so that the torch is moveable, during use of the welding bug (1) when arranged to enable the torch to weld in a groove, between (i) an operating position, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the welding torch is positioned away from the groove (19). The welding bug may be less cumbersome and more compact than some known arrangements.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for producing a weave pattern across a workpiece with a succession of individual weld short runs or bead, each of which has a center portion extending between two transversely spaced edges. The welder comprising a power source, a wire feeder to direct a welding wire through a movable torch to the workpiece and a controller for creating a welding current between the wire and the workpiece. A mechanical device is used to move the torch along the bead and the controller has a program to perform a first weld process while the torch is moving along the center portion and a second weld process when the torch is adjacent the edges, where the first weld process has less heat input than the second weld process.

Abstract: Guide device for use in the processing, in particular welding, of curved surfaces, in particular pipe surfaces. A guide device includes a flexible elongate body provided with a guide for processing means and a tensioning means for tensioning the flexible body around the curved surface. The flexible body is provided along its length with indicators arranged according to a determined pattern, this pattern being such that a determined position of the guide device along the flexible body can be inferred on the basis of the detection of the indicators.

Abstract: A control method for AC pulse arc welding performed upon application of cyclic AC welding current is provided. The welding current has a cycle including an electrode negative polarity period and an electrode positive polarity period subsequent to the electrode negative polarity period. In the control method, an electrode negative polarity base current and a subsequent electrode negative polarity peak current are applied during the electrode negative polarity period. The electrode negative polarity base current has an absolute value smaller than a first critical value, and the electrode negative polarity peak current has an absolute value greater than the first critical value. Then, an electrode positive polarity peak current is applied during the electrode positive polarity period. The electrode positive polarity peak current has a value greater than a second critical value.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of calculating the position of a robot, which determine the position of a robot and create a map of the surroundings of the robot which account for the travel state of the robot. The apparatus includes a state variable calculation module which calculates a plurality of state variables regarding a travel state of the robot by using a plurality of Kalman filters; a travel state determination module which determines the travel state of the robot based on the results of the calculation performed by the state variable calculation module; and a state variable update module which updates the state variables according to the result of the determination performed by the travel state determination module.

Abstract: A robot control unit for controlling a tandem arc welding system, which has a welding torch, a robot for weaving the welding torch, a leading electrode power supply, and a trailing electrode power supply, includes a leading electrode detection section and a trailing electrode detection section for detecting quantity of welding state during weaving; a leading electrode processing section for calculating amounts of electrical change; a leading electrode correction section for calculating correction amounts for correcting displacement in horizontal and vertical directions from a weld line of a weaving center trajectory based on the amounts of electrical change; a trailing electrode processing section for calculating an amount of electrical change; and a trailing electrode correction section for calculating a correction amount for correcting displacement in a rotational direction from the weld line of the weaving center trajectory based on the amount of electrical change.

Abstract: A method for joining together at least two sheets with a tool controlled by an industrial robot and including a first arm and a second arm that are mutually movable in relation to each other. An actual position of the sheets is detected by bringing one of the arms to sense the actual position of the sheets. The distance between an ideal position and the actual position is calculated and the actual position of the tool is moved the calculated distance, whereafter the sheets are joined together.

Abstract: A system and method for welding spliced vertical columns with an electroslag welding system. The system includes a welding fixture having opposing, paired and positionally adjustable welding shoes, run-off tabs, and sumps affixed at the junction of columns to be spliced. A distributed control electroslag welding system, welding torch, and consumable guide tube oscillator feed provide molten flux within the shoes filling from the sump to the run-off tab.

Abstract: A robot control unit for controlling a tandem arc welding system, which has a welding torch, a robot for weaving the welding torch, a leading electrode power supply, and a trailing electrode power supply, includes a leading electrode detection section and a trailing electrode detection section for detecting quantity of welding state during weaving; a leading electrode processing section for calculating amounts of electrical change; a leading electrode correction section for calculating correction amounts for correcting displacement in horizontal and vertical directions from a weld line of a weaving center trajectory based on the amounts of electrical change; a trailing electrode processing section for calculating an amount of electrical change; and a trailing electrode correction section for calculating a correction amount for correcting displacement in a rotational direction from the weld line of the weaving center trajectory based on the amount of electrical change.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for producing a weave pattern across a workpiece with a succession of individual weld short runs or bead, each of which has a center portion extending between two transversely spaced edges. The welder comprising a power source, a wire feeder to direct a welding wire through a movable torch to the workpiece and a controller for creating a welding current between the wire and the workpiece. A mechanical device is used to move the torch along the bead and the controller has a program to perform a first weld process while the torch is moving along the center portion and a second weld process when the torch is adjacent the edges, where the first weld process has less heat input than the second weld process.

Abstract: An operation control unit of a reception system includes a visitor ID information DB for storing therein visitor comparison information and visitor ID information including a phone number of a receiver of a visitor; an identifying unit for identifying the visitor when visitor information obtained by a camera or the like of the robot is identical to the visitor comparison information; a phone calling module for calling the phone number of a mobile terminal of the receiver via a phone network, when the visitor is identified; an informing content determining unit for determining an informing content to the receiver based on the visitor ID information, when the visitor is identified; and a speech generating part for converting the received information into a voice. The informing content is sent to the mobile terminal of the receiver via the phone network.

Abstract: When braking of a motion of a part of a first robot is assumed to be started at points in time, a first stop position of the first robot part is estimated at each point in time. When braking of a motion of a part of a second robot is assumed to be started at the points in time, an estimated second stop position of the second robot part is obtained at each point in time. When it is determined that the first stop position of the first robot part at one of the points in time and either the actual position or the second stop position of the second robot part for each interval at the one of the points in time are contained in the shared workspace, the first robot part is braked.

Abstract: TIG welding equipment includes a first articulate robot having a first arm, a TIG torch holding member for holding a TIG torch at a specified position so that the TIG torch can perform a weaving operation, and a filler wire guide moving member formed so as to surround the TM torch holding member and holdingly moving a filler wire guide in Z-axis direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of automated welding, and more particularly, to an automated, gas metal arc welding apparatus for externally welding abutting sections of pipe. The apparatus has a motorized main carriage for travelling circumferentially about one of the pipe sections to be welded. The apparatus is provided with a welding torch which is connected to the main carriage. The welding torch is movable relative to the main carriage by the actuation of a multi-axis drive mechanism. The multi-axis drive mechanism has a horizontal transport mechanism for linearly translating the torch transversely of the weld seam, a vertical transport mechanism for vertically displacing the torch transversely of the weld seam and an angular transport mechanism for pivotally moving the torch transversely of the weld seam. A controller is provided for actuating the various transport mechanisms individually or simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of continuously controlling and tracking a position of a welding torch (10) and welding head relative to a weld seam to be produced on a workpiece (16), whereby the welding torch (10), spaced at a distance apart from a workpiece (16) and the weld seam, effects a pendulum motion which is superimposed on its linear welding motion, during which state variables, in particular an ohmic resistance or a current and/or a voltage, are detected as they change in time. The lateral deviation of the welding torch (10) from the weld seam, in particular from the welding line centre, and/or the height of the welding torch (10) above the workpiece (16) and the welding head are derived from the detected actual values and signals in order to control and track the position of the welding torch (10).

Abstract: A method of controlling a robot (32) includes the steps of selecting an initial configuration from at least one of a first, second, and third sets to position a TCP at a starting point (44) along a path (33) and selecting a final configuration different than the initial configuration to position the TCP at an ending point (46). Next, the TCP moves from the starting point (44) while maintaining the initial configuration, approaches the singularity between a first point (48) and a second point (50), and selects one of the axes in response to reaching the first point (48). The angle for the selected axis is interpolated from the first point (48) to the second point (50). After the interpolation, the angles about the remaining axes are determined and positions the arms in the final configuration when the TCP reaches the second point (50) and moves to the ending point (46) while maintaining the final configuration.

Abstract: A tracking welder, which is provided with a carriage traveling in the forward and backward direction, a welding torch mounted on the carriage, a weaving driver for weaving the welding torch, a tracking system for running the carriage along a predetermined welding line, and a welding torch holder for holding the welding torch through the weaving driver and holding the weaving driver adjustably so as to shift the weaving direction of the welding torch around the center of a weaving path. According to this welder, it is possible to carry out fillet welding without causing unbalance of deposit metal between sides on a carriage running face and a tracking face, not only in a case the welding is carried out on a nearly horizontal carriage running face and a nearly vertical carriage running face, but also even in a case the welding is carried out on an inclined carriage running face.

Abstract: A process for applying weld overlay material to a tube with a single pass of a weld head. A gas tungsten arc welding process with high frequency wave pulse current is preferably used to apply the overlay material. The overlay material is preferably in the form of weld wire and is pre-heated and mechanically fed into the resultant weld pool on the tube. The wire is preferably resistance-heated to a temperature lower than its melting point prior to contact of the wire with the molten weld pool, and the weld pool is preferably oscillated during the overlay process. Use of the gas tungsten arc welding process provides sufficient weld fusion to allow the overlaid tube to be subsequently bent and formed, and use of the high frequency wave pulse current provides for reduced dilution of the overlay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding together two pipes or plates. The bodies to be welded are placed mutually in line against each other while leaving clear a weld groove. The weld groove is filled with more than one welding layer by a welding torch moved in a longitudinal direction of the weld groove, and wherein two welding layers are laid in one welding pass by two welding torches placed successively at a predetermined fixed distance in the longitudinal direction of the weld groove, so that a time-saving is achieved in the welding process.

Abstract: A welding method is disclosed for butt welding a first base material 1 and a second base material 2 with each other. To also permit stable and efficient formation of a bead in the form of a fillet weld on a back side of a groove by conducting arc welding from the side of the groove without arranging a bead beforehand on the back side of the groove, the first member 1, on which a root face 1a and a single groove face 1b have been formed, is brought at its root face 1a into contact with a flat surface 2a of the second base material 2. A welding wire 6 is arranged facing on the groove formed by the contact between the first base material 1 and the second base material 2. The first base material 1 and the second material 2 are caused to fuse at an area of contact between them by an arc from the welding wire 6. A melt, which has been formed by the fusion at the area of contact and the like, is forced out to the back side of the groove to form a bead B4 in the form of a fillet weld on the back side of the groove.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-diagnosis type welding carriage control system for automatically controlling welding conditions and implementing an oscillation motion. The welding carriage control system includes a main controller for a database, a remote control panel controller, a welding machine and condition controller, motion controllers for oscillation and travel motions, and a digital signal processing controller for managing memories for the respective controllers. The controllers are each provided internally with a central processing unit, and a dual port random access memory so as to share neighboring central processing units and memories through a versa module eurocard bus.

Abstract: SEMI-AUTOMATIC WELDER TO CLOSE DISPOSABLE BOXES, consisting of a box-shaped basic part defined by a lower and an upper platform defining an upper assembly and a lower assembly level, the lower level defining means for built-in assembly of a double-welding set, whereas the upper level configures means to assemble a shaping device, above which a ram device is vertically aligned, mounted on a support that has an inverted “L” shape, defined by a horizontal and a vertical branch, the first being crossed by a transmission and driving mechanism protected by plate surrounding devices, and also such transmission and driving mechanism is, on the one side, operatively coupled for vertical and alternated operation of the ram and, on the other side, it is equally coupled to horizontally operate the double-welding set that, in turn, is electrically interconnected with an electrical control panel, mounted on the back of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of automated welding, and more particularly, to an automated, gas metal arc welding apparatus for externally welding abutting sections of pipe. The apparatus has a motorized main carriage for travelling circumferentially about one of the pipe sections to be welded. The apparatus is provided with a welding torch which is connected to the main carriage. The welding torch is movable relative to the main carriage by the actuation of a multi-axis drive mechanism. The multi-axis drive mechanism has a horizontal transport mechanism for linearly translating the torch transversely of the weld seam, a vertical transport mechanism for vertically displacing the torch transversely of the weld seam and an angular transport mechanism for pivotally moving the torch transversely of the weld seam. A controller is provided for actuating the various transport mechanisms individually or simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: A device for butt welding pipes (99A-B) comprises: a guide element (17) which can surround and can be fixed to one of the ends of the pipes, and a carriage (1) movable along the said guide element and having powered means (25) for moving it along the guide element (17), a welding torch (90), means (29) for feeding it and means (26) for supporting the said welding torch (90) and moving it vertically and horizontally with respect to the said carriage, and means of movement (27) for imparting the oscillatory movement to the said torch and for regulating the amplitude of oscillation and the position of the torch during this oscillation; the regulating and monitoring means (108) are of the electronic type; and means (104) are provided for generating a signal relating to the angular movement of the welding torch (90) during the oscillation.

Abstract: When determining coordinates of a point of an object (2) in a reference system of coordinates and the orientation of the object in the space in a measuring position assumed by the object, the object is moved from a start position having known coordinates and a known orientation to a measuring position while detecting this movement. Said coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this detection and about the start position. Furthermore, the acceleration and retardation of the object are measured during the movement, and the coordinates and the orientation of the object in the measuring position are calculated from information from this measurement.

Abstract: An arc welding overlay apparatus that comprises a welding head carriage adapted for movement on a track, an index arm mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the track, a slide mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the index arm, a welding torch mounted to the slide, and means for dispensing a filler material to the welding torch. Feedback means and control means cooperate to indicate and control the movement of the weld head carriage, index arm, electric arc length and the filler dispensing rate. Means are also provided for emergency shutdown of the electric power source.

Abstract: An arc welding overlay apparatus that comprises a welding head carriage adapted for movement on a track, an index arm mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the track, a slide mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the index arm, a welding torch mounted to the slide, and means for dispensing a filler material to the welding torch. Feedback means and control means cooperate to indicate and control the movement of the weld head carriage, index arm, electric arc length and the filler dispensing rate. Means are also provided for emergency shutdown of the electric power source.

Abstract: A boom control system having rotational and elevation control of the boom. The boom is utilized in a welding apparatus utilizing a conduit to deliver the welding material to the work piece. The elevation of the boom may be adjusted by discrete steps, with a positive method of retaining the boom at a desired elevation. The desired elevation is determined by the operator as that elevation which will keep the conduit or carrier from contacting the hard surface of the floor and the work piece. The rotation may be accomplished by any well known method such as a turntable on which the elevation mechanism is mounted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-diagnosis type welding carriage control system for automatically controlling welding conditions and implementing an oscillation motion. The welding carriage control system includes a main controller for a database, a remote control panel controller, a welding machine and condition controller, motion controllers for oscillation and travel motions, and a digital signal processing controller for managing memories for the respective controllers. The controllers are each provided internally with a central processing unit, and a dual port random access memory so as to share neighboring central processing units and memories through a versa module eurocard bus.

Abstract: An electric arc welding robot for welding a zone of a rail or the like comprises a movable, electric arc torch unit for operating the welding, first controlling means for controlling a first displacement of the torch unit substantially in front of the periphery of the zone to be welded, so that welding geometrical locations are read on said zone, by means of reading means connected to a memory unit, for memorizing said welding geometrical locations read on the rail, and second controlling means for automatically controlling a second displacement of the torch unit in front of the zone to be welded, within the limits of said reading and as a function of the welding geometrical locations, as memorized.

Abstract: Two pipes are arranged, when forming a deep sea pipeline, end to end thereby defining a circumferentially extending narrow angled (less than 10 degrees) groove. Two arc welding torches are arranged directly adjacent to each other on a single carriage that moves around the pipes, thereby forming a twin arc welding system. The position of the arc of each torch is independently oscillated between the walls of the groove to form a weld therein. The arcs are guided automatically by an electronic guidance system, wherein electrical characteristics (such as arc current voltage and/or impedance) of the welding of each torch with regard to one of the two pipes are compared with the corresponding electrical characteristics relating to the other of the pipes. The position of an arc of a torch may thus be aligned with the center line of the groove.

Abstract: A tracking monitoring device and a tracking control device are provided for determining the state of how a weld line is tracked under arc sensing control to let the oscillating center of a welding torch track a correct weld line along the groove center based on a welding current waveform when the welding torch is oscillated in the direction of the groove width, and for controlling an arc welding process. The tracking monitoring device and the tracking control device can form a weld line less affected by a short-circuit mode or sputtering mode which serves as a disturbance factor in a welding current value and are capable of coping with a welding speed increase in association with higher speed oscillating frequency.

Abstract: A method and system of depositing molten metal from an advancing welding wire to form a root pass of weld metal in the bottom of a gap between first and second metal members having generally flat base elements joined by a metal backing plate extending between said base elements, which method and system includes passing welding current between the welding wire and the metal members from a power supply to create a heat generating welding arc, moving the welding wire in a given direction along selected path over the backing plate, sensing a blow through of the backing plate by the welding arc, reversing said given direction of said welding wire for a short distance when a blow through has been sensed and then, resuming movement of said welding wire in said given direction along the selected path.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of automated welding, and more particularly, to an automated, gas metal arc welding apparatus for externally welding abutting sections of pipe. The apparatus has a motorized main carriage for travelling circumferentially about one of the pipe sections to be welded. The apparatus is provided with a welding torch which is connected to the main carriage. The welding torch is movable relative to the main carriage by the actuation of a multi-axis drive mechanism. The multi-axis drive mechanism has a horizontal transport mechanism for linearly translating the torch transversely of the weld seam, a vertical transport mechanism for vertically displacing the torch transversely of the weld seam and an angular transport mechanism for pivotally moving the torch transversely of the weld seam. A controller is provided for actuating the various transport mechanisms individually or simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: A robotic machine includes a machine tool removably supported in a mount for following a programmable path over a workpiece. A calibration pointer includes a housing configured like the tool for being supported in the mount, and a laser is affixed in the housing for emitting a laser beam at the workpiece. In a method of operation, the laser beam is projected from the laser in a focused spot at the workpiece at an offset therefrom. The spot permits accurate programming of the machine without contacting the workpiece.

Abstract: A modular welding system for performing quick, easy and high quality welds. The modular welding system comprises a basic component system and a modular fixture component system. The basic component system provides the basic components which are needed to perform a quality weld efficiently. The modular fixture component system interfaces with the basic component system and provides a particular welding fixture assembly that performs a particular type of weld. More particularly, a stiffener type modular fixture component system and a butt/tee type modular fixture system are described. However, any other particular fixture type system may be integrated with the basic component system of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding system capable of freely controlling the dispersion and concentration of arc heat over the groove face with an extreamly narrow gap and a high strength and high quality welded joint structure which is formed by this welding system and which is capable of preventing softening/hardening of the structure, the lowering of the toughness thereof and the generation of a crack. According to the welding system, the melting rate of a welding wire is controlled relative to the welding wire feeding rate by changing the characteristic of an arc current so that the range of behavior and the transfer rate of the arc pole (the arc generating main point at a groove surface) are controlled. Further, the welded joint structure consists of a high strength steel having a superfine grain structure with a carbon equivalent of as low a less than 0.

Abstract: Parameters of a robot is displayed on a display device of an operation terminal in a manner that parameters having been changed and parameters having not been changed of all the parameters are displayed in a distinguished manner such that the background color of the parameters having been changed differs from that of other data.