Welding Patents (Class 219/136)
  • Publication number: 20140042140
    Abstract: A double-sided tribrid welding technique and apparatus for root pass welding of narrow groove welds. The welding technique utilizes three welding devices. A welding apparatus on a backside of the weld joint may strike an arc on the backside of the weld joint; a welding apparatus on a narrow groove side of the weld may strike an arc within the narrow groove weld joint, while the remaining welding apparatus is a laser that can help establish a keyhole as a common pool of molten metal at the root without burning through the root. Once the arcs are struck substantially simultaneously and the laser is energized, the welding heads move simultaneously, the arc welders assisting in maintaining pre-heat temperature, while minimizing distortion and cracking. Adjusting arc weld parameters provides deformation on completion of the root pass so as to compensate for distortion due to metal shrinkage in subsequent passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dechao LIN, Jamison William JANAWITZ, David Vincent BUCCI, Ronald Lee SOUTHER, Matthew James O'CONNELL, Srikanth Chandrudu KOTTILINGAM
  • Publication number: 20140021185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing dowel baskets from dowel side frames and transverse dowel rods. The dowel side frames are introduced at a top location of the production system, where there is initially introduced a first dowel rod and subsequently, with successive stepwise advancements, the remaining dowel rods are introduced. The dowel side frames with the dowel rods advance on guides that may rotate the dowel side frames relative to the axes of the longitudinal wires so as to impart a desired inclination angle ? relative to the rods. In following, with continuous stepwise advancements, the dowel rods are alternately welded, each to one of the opposed dowel side frames. Transverse wires are welded on the longitudinal wires to impart rigidity to the dowel basket. Subsequently, mass-produced dowel baskets may be stacked in groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Antonios Anagnostopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140021184
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining that a consumable welding package has been, or may have been, replenished in a high production welding environment and that a tracked weight value of the consumable welding package should be reset. An operator of a welding system can be notified that a consumable welding package may have been replenished and, therefore, that the weight value of the consumable welding package may need to be reset in the welding system. Alternatively, the weight value of the consumable welding package in the welding system may be automatically reset when the welding system has determined that the consumable welding package has been replenished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8604387
    Abstract: A control method for an arc welding apparatus having a function of prohibiting detection of neck based on a change amount of welding voltage and an arc welding apparatus using the method. Thus, since neck determination can be carried out accurately by preventing wrong detection of neck, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of spatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Aimi, Hidetoshi Oyama, Atsuhiro Kawamoto, Masaru Kowa
  • Patent number: 8604390
    Abstract: A weld wire electrode for use as a consumable in a gas-metal arc welding process comprises two or more strips wrapped around one another and drawn to a desired wire diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hobart Brothers Company
    Inventors: Sundaram Nagarajan, Fuhu Chen
  • Patent number: 8604386
    Abstract: Welding wire feed systems include a wire feeder including a push motor and a welding torch assembly including a pull motor are provided. The push motor is adapted to establish a wire feed from a wire spool, and a first controller is adapted to receive a commanded speed level and to control operation of the push motor to operate at the commanded speed level. The pull motor is adapted to cooperate with the push motor to establish a desired wire feed rate from the wire spool to the welding torch assembly. A second controller is adapted to receive an operational speed level of the push motor from the first controller and to control operation of the pull motor to operate at the received operational speed of the push motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Donald Mehn, Brandon John Speilman
  • Publication number: 20130319988
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing welding devices in a welding system. In one method, the method includes sending a pairing request from a first welding device to a second welding device. The method also includes receiving, at the first welding device, a response to the pairing request from the second welding device. The second welding device is physically connected to the first welding device. The pairing request or the response includes a change in welding power, welding consumables, or any combination thereof The method includes pairing the first welding device and the second welding device after the first welding device receives the response to the pairing request from the second welding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Beistle, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8592715
    Abstract: A first laser beam is radiated to a first radiation position of a welding object while intersecting a wire, and a second laser beam is radiated to a second radiation position that is spaced a predetermined distance from a target position of the wire. Arc welding is performed between the wire and the welding object while radiating the first laser beam and the second laser beam such that the first radiation position, the second radiation position, and the target position are disposed on a welding line of the welding object. In this way, it is possible to prevent the generation of spatter and perform welding at a high rate, without increasing the size of a molten pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jingbo Wang, Hitoshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8592721
    Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard Schuh, Anthony J. Kowaleski, Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce A. Casner, Nicholas James Dessart
  • Patent number: 8592719
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a wear condition of a welding consumable includes a welding torch having a consumable component and a wire delivery system configured to deliver wire to the welding torch during a welding process. The welding system also includes a power source configured to deliver power to the welding torch to perform the welding process. A controller is included that is configured to monitor at least one operational characteristic of the delivery of wire to the welding torch over a selected period, determine a wear condition of the consumable component from the at least one operational characteristic, and generate a signal indicating detection of the wear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8592724
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of remotely controlling a welding machine with command signals transmitted to the welding power source across a weld cable connecting the power source to a remote device, such a wire feeder. A transmitter transmits the control commands containing desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source across a weld cable also designed to carry welding power from the power source to the wire feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Ott
  • Publication number: 20130284035
    Abstract: A sealing head for a strapping machine welds steel strapping material to itself in an end-to-end weld. The sealing head includes a body, a drive, an end grip at the inlet to the body, a cutter, a grip clamp and a loop grip downstream of the end grip. The loop grip is carried on a carriage that is movable in a direction along the strap path. A leading end of strap is secured by the end grip and a loop portion of the strap is gripped by the loop grip and severed by the cutter to form a loop end. The loop end is secured by the grip clamp. The loop grip carriage moves the loop end toward the leading end as current is passed though the loop end and the leading end to weld the ends to one another in an end-to-end weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Dustin D. Elliott, Christopher S. Krohn
  • Patent number: 8569653
    Abstract: A wire feeder includes a wire feeder housing that may enclose one or more drive rollers rotatably connected with respect to the wire feeder housing for engaging welding wire. The one or more drive rollers may be adjustable and adapted to drive the welding wire to a welding gun connected to the wire feeder. A drive motor is incorporated for delivering power for rotating the one or more drive rollers. Friction reducing devices, such as bearings, may be utilized and positioned between one or more driver rollers and the housing, where the bearings are electrically non-conducting for preventing the discharge of electrical energy across the bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Enyedy
  • Patent number: 8563891
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Weld Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan
  • Patent number: 8563896
    Abstract: A welding system and method includes a main torch including a main electrode configured to form a first arc with a base metal; a first bypass torch including a first bypass electrode configured to form a second arc with the main electrode; and a second bypass torch including a second bypass electrode configured to form a third arc with the main electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Yu Ming Zhang, Jinsong Chen
  • Publication number: 20130270243
    Abstract: A welding head is provided. The welding head includes a bracket and a plurality of blocks coupled to the bracket. Each of the plurality of blocks has a contact tip. The contact tips are adapted to receive an electrode. Further, at least one of the plurality of blocks is capable of variable positioning relative to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Behmlander, Huijun Wang
  • Patent number: 8558138
    Abstract: A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Cigelske, Jr., Richard Mark Achtner
  • Publication number: 20130263434
    Abstract: A drawn arc welding assembly and method for simultaneously welding a stud to a first workpiece and a second workpiece that are affixed together and have an electrically insulating joining layer between the workpieces. A pair of leads attach to the first workpiece and the second workpiece, with electrically opposite diodes connected between the leads and a power supply. The power supply also provides power to a stud. During welding, two arcs are simultaneously maintained between the stud and first workpiece and between the stud and second workpiece. The power supply may be chopped AC from a dual inverter power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Gugel
  • Publication number: 20130264322
    Abstract: Welding systems including welding torch assemblies are provided. The welding torch assembly may include a welding torch adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece. Shielding gas may be supplied to the welding torch for establishment of a gas shielding area around a weld pool. The welding torch assembly may also include a temperature sensing system having a non-contact temperature sensor coupled to the welding torch and adapted to sense a temperature of the workpiece at a location outside of the molten weld pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Bornemann, Kyle A. Pfeifer, Richard M. Achtner
  • Publication number: 20130264315
    Abstract: Various welding systems including a welding torch assembly are provided. The welding torch assemblies may include a welding torch adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece. The welding torch assemblies may also include a temperature sensing system integral with the welding torch and adapted to sense a temperature of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Derek Yu-Fung Hung, John Alan Luck, Mark Steven Kadlec
  • Patent number: 8552340
    Abstract: Embodiments of an enclosed welder that includes a recess disposed at a depth in a rear panel of the enclosure are provided. The recess may include at least one of an engine air filter, a blower housing, and a recoil start. The depth at which the recess is set back from the rear panel may be such that the engine air filter, the blower housing, and the recoil start each do not extend outward beyond the rear panel. A first air source may be configured to enter the enclosed welder via the air filter and combust fuel within an engine. A second air source may further be configured to enter the welder via the blower housing and cool the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John Patrick Laitala, Joel Raymond Ort
  • Patent number: 8552339
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 8546727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact tube (29) for a welding torch (10), having a longitudinal axis (31) along which a through-opening (30) for guiding a welding wire (13) from an inlet region (37) to an outlet region (35) and from an outlet opening (39) towards a workpiece (16) is provided, wherein at least one slot (34) is provided in the outlet region (35) for making contact with the welding wire (13). A contact tube (29) with improved contacting of the welding wire (13) is obtained by providing at least one further slot (36) in the inlet region (37) of the contact tube (29), wherein the slot (36) in the inlet region (37) is arranged in line with the slot (34) in the outlet region (35), and a web (38), which serves as a pivot point, is formed between the slot (34) in the outlet region (35) and the at least one slot (36) in the inlet region (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: FRONIUS International GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Ruehrnoessl, Harald Noebauer, Markus Steinmaurer
  • Publication number: 20130248506
    Abstract: A welding device for weld-assembly of first and second parts, defining therebetween a sealing surface, along a weld joint. The device includes: a supporting mechanism configured to move the device along the weld joint; at least one welding mechanism; and an automatic command and control mechanism. The welding mechanism is mounted on a single supporting element oriented substantially parallel to the sealing surface. A first motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a first projection cooperating with an open housing in a first end face of the supporting element, and a second motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a second projection cooperating with an open housing in a second end face of the supporting element. The first and second projections are movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface and generate controlled movement of the supporting element of the welding mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SERIMAX
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8536488
    Abstract: A cable management system for a welding-type system includes a support column extending in a first direction from a first end supported by a welding-type device to a second end arranged above the welding-type device. The cable management system also includes a cable support arranged on the second end of the support column that extends in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. Accordingly, a portion of the cable support extends away from the welding-type device to allow a cable supported thereon to extend below the cable support and proximate to the welding-type device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Ertmer, Chris J. Roehl, John C. Breitbach, Thomas G. Yunk
  • Publication number: 20130233839
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to welding and, more specifically, to electrodes for arc welding, such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). In one embodiment, a tubular welding wire includes a sheath and a core. The core includes a carbon source and a potassium source that together comprise less than 10% of the core by weight. Furthermore, the carbon source is selected from the group: carbon black, lamp black, carbon nanotubes, and diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Hobart Brothers Company
    Inventors: Steven Barhorst, Mario Amata
  • Patent number: 8530791
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a joining area and method between copper and stainless steel or titanium, as well as the permanent cathode obtained, where said joining area is made of a first zone of a copper-nickel (Cu—Ni) alloy, an intermediate zone with a mostly nickel alloy or pure nickel and a second zone made of a stainless steel-nickel alloy, which is the result of the participating materials being cast in an arc welding process, for example TIG, MIG or manual arc using electrodes of nickel as welding contributor between said materials and their space arrangement, that is to say, leaving a separation between the materials when performing the welding process, thus ensuring as follows: a) greater tensile strength, b) a substantial improvement of corrosion resistance of the joint welding, and c) improvement of conductibility, which can be improved still further by modifying the straight design of the conducting bar by providing it with the “horn”-type shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Industria Proveedora de Partes Metalurgicas Limitada
    Inventors: Antonio Carracedo Rosende, Horacio Rafart Mouthon
  • Patent number: 8525078
    Abstract: A welding gun precludes moisture from penetrating inside of a motor housing due by preventing development of negative pressure inside the motor housing. The welding gun includes a feed screw mechanism that is coupled to a servo motor and has a hollow rod that reciprocally moves in a predetermined direction by way of torque applied by the servo motor, and a moveable electrode tip that is connected to a leading end portion of the hollow rod and opens and closes relative to a fixed electrode tip according to the reciprocal movement of the hollow rod. The servo motor has a motor housing in which a motor housing hollow part accommodating a portion of the hollow rod to be reciprocally moveable is formed. A vent that ventilates the motor housing hollow part with ambient air is formed in the motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miwa, Koichi Matsumoto, Teruaki Kobayashi, Eisaku Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20130206742
    Abstract: A machining fixture for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector is provided. The fixture comprises a housing having at least two side walls, a top plate having a first opening connecting the side walls, and a bottom plate connecting the side walls, the side walls, top plate, and bottom plate defining an interior space. The fixture also includes a clamping mechanism attached to at least one of the side walls, the clamping mechanism comprising a curved hook portion, the curved hook portion being laterally adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: TTX Company
    Inventor: TTX Company
  • Patent number: 8505772
    Abstract: A container for packing and shipping stud welding ferrule aligned along a spindle. The container comprises a body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and opposing end walls defining a storage space therein. The container further comprises a spindle retainer operatively connected to the body. The spindle retainer has a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion connected to the transverse portion. The transverse portion extends from one of the end walls and toward and into the storage space, while the longitudinal portion extends from the transverse portion and toward the bottom of the body. The transverse portion and the longitudinal portion are sized and shaped to accept and to retain ends of the spindle to contain the spindle within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: New Rule Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Martin
  • Publication number: 20130193115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin wire welding apparatus (1) including a first contact tube (2) for guiding a first consumable electrode (4) toward a weld puddle (6) and transferring welding current to the first consumable electrode (4), a second contact tube (10) for guiding a second consumable electrode (12) toward said weld puddle (6) and transferring welding current to the second consumable electrode (12), and a single power source (16) connected to said first and second contact tubes (2,10) for providing the same potential to said two consumable electrodes (4,12), and to a method for operating such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ESAB AB
    Inventor: Michael Berg
  • Publication number: 20130180970
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for manufacturing an orthopedic prosthesis by resistance welding a porous metal layer of the orthopedic prosthesis onto an underlying metal substrate of the orthopedic prosthesis. The resistance welding process involves directing an electrical current through the porous layer and the substrate, which dissipates as heat to cause softening and/or melting of the materials, especially along the interface between the porous layer and the substrate. The softened and/or melted materials undergo metallurgical bonding at points of contact between the porous layer and the substrate to fixedly secure the porous layer onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Zimmer, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8487214
    Abstract: A welding carriage has a frame that is adjustable in width and height and is guided by the sides of a workpiece. First and second wheel assemblies support the frame upon the workpiece, the first and second wheel assemblies forcibly engaging the sides of the workpiece for guiding the frame along a path substantially parallel thereto. The frame comprises two opposing lateral sides interconnected by a linkage therebetween. The linkage can be actuated to adjust a coarse width of the frame, dimensional variations being handles by biased guide wheels of the second wheel assembly. Each of the opposing lateral sides further has vertically adjustable leg posts for adjusting a vertical height of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Omega Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John Doskocz
  • Publication number: 20130175249
    Abstract: A method for balancing an electrode arm (101) of a welding device (100) is provided. The welding device (100) includes a first electrode arm (101) and a second electrode arm (102) movable with respect to one another and coupled to a reference arm (30). The welding device (100) also includes a compensation actuator (106) coupled to the first electrode arm (101) and to the reference arm (30) to balance a weight of the first electrode arm (101) and including first and second fluid chambers. The method comprises a step of adjusting a differential pressure between the first and second fluid chambers of the compensation actuator (106). The method further comprises a step of determining a differential balance pressure required to balance the weight of the first electrode arm (101) when the first electrode arm (101) moves by more than a threshold amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Norgren GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Braun, Thomas Halach, Frank Schnur, Helmut Schneider-Konig, Thomas Laubacher
  • Patent number: 8471173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding coated sheet metal (3), which comprises at least one laser (13) and at least one shielded arc unit (5) and a rod feeding device (11) for a welding rod (12). The aim of the invention is to provide a method or a device of the aforementioned kind which allows fo˜ reducing or completely avoiding inclusions such as are e.g. caused by the evaporation of the coating of the metal sheet (3). For this purpose, a clamping device (6) is used for positioning the coated metal sheet (3) without substantial gaps between the individual sheets. A material having a zinc and/or carbon and/or aluminum content is used as the weld metal or welding rod (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Miessbacher, Manfred Rührnössl
  • Publication number: 20130146574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welding robot for resistance welding, which exhibits a welding tongs (21), a welding current generator (1) connected to the welding electrodes (24, 25) of the welding tongs (21), for supplying the welding electrodes (24, 25) with electric energy during the resistance welding, and an industrial robot. The industrial robot comprises a robot arm (2) and a robot control device (9) for moving the robot arm (2). The welding tongs (21) is connected to the robot arm (2) and the robot control device (9) is connected to the welding current generator (1) and a tongs drive (26, 27) of the welding tongs (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: KUKA ROBOTER GMBH
    Inventor: KUKA ROBOTER GMBH
  • Patent number: 8461472
    Abstract: A welding machine that includes a machine frame having an opening permitting access to an interchangeable tooling module installed on the machine. The welding machine includes one or more light curtains covering the opening to disable operation of one or more welding stations on the tooling module if the light curtain is breached by an operator, robot, or other object. The welding machine includes a selector arm attached to the machine frame at a location between a first end and a second end of the opening. The selector arm can be moved into and out of position at the opening to selectively define either a single light curtain across the opening or a pair of adjacent light curtains that permit separate operation and access to separate welding stations behind each of the two light curtains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tec-Option, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan W. Domschot
  • Publication number: 20130140290
    Abstract: A device for applying electric discharge to an optical fiber is comprised of a pair of electrodes having the optical fiber interposed between the electrodes and being opposed to each other; a pedestal configured to support the electrodes; a member configured to securely press the electrodes onto the pedestal; and a heat radiation fin provided on the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: FUJIKURA LTD.
  • Patent number: 8450645
    Abstract: A flexible guide device for a welding wire, formed by a plurality of individual elements which are connected to each other in an articulated manner, characterized in that the individual elements are adapted to swivel in relation to each other in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sidergas SpA
    Inventor: Carlo Gelmetti
  • Patent number: 8450646
    Abstract: A retaining head for a MIG welding device includes a contact tip mounting end, an opposite retaining head mounting end, and a throughbore extending from one of the ends to the other end. A deflector is disposed along the throughbore and is adjustable for imparting a bend in welding wire passing through the throughbore. The deflector provides a straight wire contour for the welding wire that is fed out of the welding torch, while maintaining sufficient contact force between the welding wire and the contact tip. The deflector also reduces the effect of wire twist on the contact point between the welding wire and the contact tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Tiejun Ma, Paul-David Pinsonneault, Thomas Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20130126503
    Abstract: Portable weld cooling systems include a plurality of weld cooling instruments operable to combine to provide cool air to a weld area created by a weld fusion machine, and a portable cabinet comprising a transportation section and a storage section, the transportation section operable to facilitate the movement of the portable cabinet and the storage section being configured to store the plurality of weld cooling instruments when the portable cabinet is moved, wherein one or more of the plurality of weld cooling instruments may be removed from the storage section when combined to provide cool air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FAST FUSION, LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. McKinley
  • Publication number: 20130126502
    Abstract: A device for applying electric discharge on an optical fiber by electrodes is comprised of a first driving mechanism for controllably driving the electrodes in a first direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the optical fiber; and a second driving mechanism for controllably and synchronously driving the electrodes in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fiber but not identical to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: FUJIKURA LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130126500
    Abstract: A turntable assembly for performing welding or other operations in a pivotably-mounted J-lay tower is disclosed. The assembly includes an annular turntable supported by a base frame to turn about a pipe string in use and a tilt-compensating mechanism acting on the base frame to level the turntable as the tower pivots in use. The tilt-compensating mechanism includes at least one support that is driveable up and down with respect to the tower. In the embodiment disclosed, the support is a carriage movable along an upright track that pivots with the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: John Duncan Cruickshank
  • Patent number: 8445816
    Abstract: A welding power supply includes a controller that automatically monitors the presence or absence of one or more modules connected to or installed into the welding power supply. The controller automatically turns on or off the power supply functions related to which optional modules are present. The controller populates various end-user interface menus based on which optional modules are installed. The controller uses software and/or hardware to make the determination. The optional module(s) themselves include circuitry which allows the controller to recognize when the optional module has been installed and what functions the installed optional module is capable of performing. The circuitry of the optional module(s) allows the optional module(s) to communicate with the controller. In this way, the end-user will not have the options of selecting a process on the user interface menus that is not available because the required equipment has not been installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Cole
  • Publication number: 20130119040
    Abstract: A computer obtains a first image including a first portion of a first edge and a first portion of a second edge, wherein distance between the first portion of the first edge and the first portion of the second edge forms a first width of a seam between the first edge and the second edge. The computer obtains a second image including a second portion of the first edge and a second portion of the second edge, wherein distance between the second portion of the first edge and the second portion of the second edge forms a second width of the seam between the first edge and the second edge. The computer determines a parameter for a welding torch to weld a joint for joining the first edge and the second edge along the seam based at least in part on the first image and the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Heath Allen Suraba, Geoffrey M. Lipnevicius
  • Publication number: 20130119039
    Abstract: A welding cell unit includes a frame and a cell table that supports a robotic welding system, the cell table is attached to the frame. A table top is pivotally secured to the cell table, the table top is rotated outwardly from a non-extended position adjacent a side of the cell table into an extended position coextensive with a table top plane. A support mechanism structurally supports the table top when in an extended position. A plurality of panels surround the cell table, the plurality of panels are configured to extend outwardly from the cell table to enclose the table top when in an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. OSICKI
  • Publication number: 20130119033
    Abstract: A mobile welding system has a mobile base for traversing a surface, proximate to a region to be welded. The mobile welding system has a lift, coupled to the mobile base and to a platform for moving the platform vertically proximate to the region. The lift is disposed between the platform and the mobile base. The mobile welding system has a robotic arm coupled to the platform. The mobile welding system has a welding torch, disposed on a first end of the robotic arm, for welding the region. The mobile welding system has a controller configured to cause the welding torch to move proximate to the region by causing at least one of the mobile base, the lift, and the robotic arm to move in at least one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey M. Lipnevicius
  • Patent number: 8440935
    Abstract: A welding control unit has a common power section for detecting contact of a welding material and for welding. A material contact detector for detecting contact of the welding material and a workpiece, and a power controller are built in the welding control unit. This stabilizes a bead shape in starting welding. The number of components can also be reduced, resulting in more inexpensive equipment. In addition, only a space for installing the welding control unit is needed without any additional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Kawamoto, Kei Aimi, Yasushi Mukai, Yukinori Hirota
  • Publication number: 20130108886
    Abstract: A metal component for one or more of a fitting, a piece of furniture and a household appliance. The metal component includes a coating, at least in sections, the coating including one of a hardness-containing composite material and a ceramic-metal composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Peter Jährling, Daniel Rehage, Uwe Sobolewski, Lars Schrubke, Willi Grigat, Arthus Krause, Björn Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 8431863
    Abstract: A welder includes a housing enclosing one or more welding circuits communicated with power output studs for establishing a welding arc. A generally rigid bracket may be included that is affixed to an exterior of the housing, which may include first and second spaced apart support arms extending from a bracket, where the first support arm includes a first supporting surface facing a first direction, and where the second support arm includes a second supporting surface facing a second opposite direction for supporting the associated welding gun in a cantilevered configuration. A cable cradle is also included that extends from a second, distal end of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Kindig