Welding Patents (Class 219/136)
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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: 8431864
    Abstract: A constant voltage (CV) welding process power supply is provided. The power supply includes a controller configured to detect a short circuit event in a CV welding process and increase a welding current based upon a periodically computed voltage error and a first gain to attempt to clear the short circuit event. The controller is further configured to detect whether the short circuit event has cleared after the first current increase. If the short circuit event has not cleared, the controller increases the welding current based upon the periodically computed voltage error and a second gain higher than the first gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Martin Hutchison, James Lee Uecker
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130087543
    Abstract: A system and method is provided where a work piece is welded at high speeds with minimal porosity and spatter. In embodiments, the work piece is welded with an arc welding process to create a weld puddle and the weld puddle is irradiated by a energy beam downstream of the arc welding operation, such that high welding speeds are attained. The high energy heat source is positioned downstream of the welding operation to input energy into the weld puddle to change its shape or characteristics to optimize bead shape and/or bead quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Denney, Steven R. Peters
  • Patent number: 8410399
    Abstract: A capacitor discharge (CD) fastener welding circuit including: an input voltage source; a rectifier bridge of diodes receiving the input voltage source; at least two capacitor charge switches linked with the rectifier bridge; at least one capacitor linked with the at least two capacitor charge switches; and at least two capacitor discharge switches linked with the capacitor and to welding output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nelson Stud Welding, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hsu, Larry Church, Jeffrey J. Krupp
  • Publication number: 20130075379
    Abstract: A welding device includes a base unit, a welding gun unit, and a smoke exhaust unit. The welding gun unit is electrically connected to the base unit to be turned on and off by operations on the base unit. The smoke exhaust unit is structurally connected to the base unit, and suctions smoke and dust generated by use of the welding gun unit and exhausts the smoke and dust via the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-GANG YIN, GUO-YI CHEN
  • Patent number: 8395085
    Abstract: A pulsed waveform welding operation is implemented by reference to a commanded wire feed speed set by an operator. The wire feed speed is set on a wire feeder, and a signal representative of the commanded wire feed speed is applied to a power supply. The power supply control circuitry references a look-up table in which pulsed waveform parameters are provided based upon wire feed speed. The parameters may include multiple parameters such as pulse frequency, peak current, background current, and current ramp rates. The control circuitry commands power conversion circuitry to generate the commanded waveform as a function of the commanded wire feed speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130056454
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the strength of an ambient magnetic field in a weld region comprises a magnetic field generator (50, 52, 54, 56) for generating an opposing magnetic field in the weld region in response to an input current, a magnetic field sensor (140) for sensing the direction and the magnitude of an ambient magnetic field in any vector direction in the weld region and outputting a sensor signal in response thereto, and a controller (7) arranged to receive the sensor signal and control the input current to the magnetic field generator in response to the sensor signal so as to generate the opposing magnetic field which reduces the magnetic field in the weld region. Methods for reducing the magnetic field in a weld region using apparatus of this form are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: DIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony Lawrence Foulds, John Douglas Anderson
  • Patent number: 8389899
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a welding torch, where the connector body and the house are made of insulating material and designed as a unit in one piece connected by a rear wall. The connector includes an insert made of electrically conductive material carrying a threaded surface made of electrically conductive material and a contact surface. The insert can be fitted in a nest formed by a side surface of the connector body part and a surface of the house part opposite to the side surface. An opening on the sidewall of the house part provides access to the side surface of the insert for connecting the side surface to a current, and the insert is secured rotationally in the nest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Antal Natta
  • Patent number: 8389901
    Abstract: A welding wire guiding liner has a plurality of guiding bodies connected to each other, each of the guiding bodies containing a plurality of rolling elements defining a guiding channel for the welding wire. Each guiding body has a ring which is coaxial with the guiding channel and is freely rotatable in a peripheral direction on the body. The ring is connected to the adjacent guiding body by means of a swivel joint which allows the adjacent guiding body to swivel around a swivel axis with respect to the guiding body provided with the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: AWDS Technologies SRL
    Inventors: Carlo Gelmetti, Filippo Corradini
  • Patent number: 8389897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welding method for implementing and monitoring a welding process, whereby a power source (2) and a feeding device (10) for the welding rod (11) are controlled by means of a control device (4), and whereby at least one control variable is measured or calculated from characteristic variables of the arc during the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Bank Sardy, Gernot Trauner
  • Patent number: 8378251
    Abstract: A two-electrode arc welding device and two-electrode arc welding method are provided for performing welding with improved penetration performance using two non-consumable electrodes. In a two-electrode arc welding device, a power-supply unit outputs a straight-polarity voltage and a reverse-polarity voltage, which has a different electrical potential than the straight-polarity voltage. The straight-polarity voltage output from the power-supply unit is applied to a non-consumable electrode of a straight-polarity arc torch, whereby an arc is formed. The reverse-polarity voltage output from the power-supply unit is applied to a non-consumable electrode of a straight-polarity arc torch, whereby an arc is formed. An arc spacing distance, which is a distance between the ends of both the straight-polarity arc torch and the reverse-polarity arc torch, is set to be at least a minimum distance at which an arc will not occur therebetween (arc spacing critical distance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Fujiuchi, Toshiyuki Horimukai, Tetsuya Kodama
  • Patent number: 8373089
    Abstract: A process for modifying or repairing a metallic component, such as a combustion cap effusion plate for a gas turbine, is disclosed. The method includes generating a notch or groove in the metallic component and depositing a filler material in the notch or groove. A pulsed laser is applied to the filler material. The pulsed laser has a power, frequency, and pulse width sufficient to apply heat to the metallic component and to the filler material to make at least a portion of the metallic component and the filler material melt in order to weld the filler material to the metallic component and repair or modify the metallic component. Various operating parameters of the pulsed laser can be configured to reduce undesirable heating affects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jere A. Johnson, Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Gene Arthur Murphy, Jr., Liangde Xie
  • Publication number: 20130026150
    Abstract: A welding accessory and a system for detecting thermal and/or UV radiation exposure during welding operations are disclosed. The welding accessory may have a surface exposed to thermal and/or UV radiation generated by electric arc welding, a first image visible without exposure to the thermal and/or UV radiation, and a second image formed from either a UV activated dye that is visible only after exposure to UV radiation generated by the electric welding arc or a thermochromic dye that is visible only after exposure to a predetermined level of thermal radiation generated by the welding arc. A system may include either a thermal or UV exposure indicator with a first state and at least a second state, and include either a thermochromic or UV activated dye adapted to provide a reversible or persistent visual indication upon exposure to radiation. The visual indication may include any combination of symbols, logos, images, text, or other decorative or informational designs as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130026149
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric arc-welding welding head comprising a contact device and one or more wire feeder units, the contact device encompassing an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising at least two fusible continuously-fed wire electrodes arranged in a contact device. An electrically insulated duct is provided for electric insulation of at least one of the electrodes so that the electrode is electrically insulated from other electrodes in the electrode assembly. The invention also relates to an electric arc-welding contact device and an electric arc-welding welding head assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ESAB AB
    Inventor: Kennet Fahlstrom
  • Patent number: 8362394
    Abstract: A neck for a welding torch includes a rigid, non-tubular, elongated member having opposite first and second ends. The first end is connectable to a rear portion of the welding torch. The second end is connectable to a welding tip portion of the welding torch. The member locates and holds the welding tip portion in a precisely given location, and does not communicate welding power, welding wire, shielding gas, or cooling water between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Centner
  • Patent number: 8362395
    Abstract: A welding shield includes a frusto-conical metal shield member, open at top and bottom, and including a wall opening for welding gun access. A lens is removably mounted in the top of the shield member, and a horizontal metal screen is removably mounted within the shield member between wall opening and lens. A circumferential base around the bottom is of a flexible and nonflammable material for effective closure around a weld work area. The work area is viewable, magnified, by the lens. The welding shield is lightweight for easy movement and placement by one available hand of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Cummings
  • Patent number: 8357877
    Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a front contact end and an opposite rear retaining end. A central aperture is defined by an inner wall of the body. The aperture extends through the body from an opening at the rear retaining end to an opening at the front contact end. The aperture has a front portion and a wider diameter portion adjacent the front portion. The front portion generally has a length that is shorter than a length of the wider diameter portion. A consumable electrode wire fed through the aperture contacts the inner wall in the front portion but does not contact the inner wall in the wider diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Tiejun Ma
  • Patent number: 8357876
    Abstract: A method of arc welding a first metal piece to a second metal piece includes the steps of extend a welding head between the space between first and second metal pieces, bending a filler wire, passing the bent filler wire through the welding head such that an end of the bent filler wire extends in a direction toward a surface of one of the first and second metal pieces, and arc welding the end portion of the bent filler wire onto the surface of the metal piece. The method further includes rotating the end of the bent filler wire toward another surface of the metal pieces and arc welding the of end of the rotated bent filler wire onto the surface of the another metal piece. The welding head travels along the space between the first and second metal pieces as the step of arc welding occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ARC Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Allford, Randy Ellington, Jordan Smith
  • Patent number: 8357871
    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: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Weld Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan
  • Publication number: 20130015171
    Abstract: A dual-torch welding system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the welding system includes a pair of torches positioned in an other than opposing arrangement to weld a substantially circular component therebetween, and a means for rotating the substantially circular component and the pair of torches relative to one another, allowing welding of the substantially circular component by the pair of torches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Louis Breitenbach, William Edward Babcock, Jonathan Tropp Salkin, Alan Silvia, Andrew Batton Witney
  • Publication number: 20130008881
    Abstract: A pipe welding arrangement that allows for real-time independent control of all carriages, torches, and ancillary components by design. The invention uses a split-ring race that is mounted on a backing ring of similar design. Numerous welding heads are mounted on carriages that are distributed at set intervals along the circumference of the race. The left and right side race and backing ring assemblies are split at the twelve o'clock and six o'clock positions. They can be decoupled and spread apart horizontally to facilitate installation and for clearing obstacles. Alignment tools (tapered pins) facilitate assembly. Locking devices located near each split interface, coupled with the alignment pins, assure that the race acts as a continuous unit during the welding operation. Linear actuators mounted on the backing rings maintain concentricity between the race and the welded tube and act as a positive clamping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul John Berbakov
  • Patent number: 8352074
    Abstract: A path planning apparatus and method of a robot, in which a path, along which the robot accesses an object to grasp the object, is planned. The path planning method includes judging whether or not a robot hand of a robot collides with an obstacle when the robot hand moves along one access path candidate selected from plural access path candidates along which the robot hand accesses an object to grasp the object, calculating an access score of the selected access path candidate when the robot hand does not collide with the obstacle, and determining an access path plan using the access score of the selected access path candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics
    Inventors: Guochunxu, Kyung Shik Roh, San Lim, Bok Man Lim, Myung Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 8344287
    Abstract: A method for determination of electrical variables of a welding circuit which is connected to an electrical power supply device and operable to provide either a welding current or a lesser pilot current, the method including the steps of (a) determining the resistance of the welding circuit and (b) determining the inductance of the welding circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Klaus-Gisbert Schmitt, Udo Schulz, Wolfgang Schmidt, Heiko Scheffler
  • Patent number: 8344283
    Abstract: A laser arc hybrid welding head and method which can form satisfactory beads at high speed are provided. A laser arc hybrid welding head (1) for welding a base material (W), which comprises aluminum steel sheets, by performing laser light irradiation and arc discharge, thereby combining laser welding and arc welding, splits inputted laser light (L0) into two beams, i.e., split laser light beams (L2a and L2b), then irradiates the base material (W) with the split laser light beams (L2a, L2b) while focusing these beams (L2a, L2b) on the base material (W), and also performs coaxial welding by generating an arc (A) from an arc electrode (20) disposed coaxially with the optical axis of the split laser light beams (L2a, L2b). Further, the transfer mode of a welding droplet from the arc electrode (20) is rendered spray transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8338751
    Abstract: A ferris wheel workpiece positioner may include a base and a workpiece holder operatively connected to the base and configured to be rotated about a central axis. The ferris wheel workpiece positioner may also include a first-side set of rails operatively connected to a first side of the workpiece holder and a second-side set of rails operatively connected to a second side of the workpiece holder. The ferris wheel workpiece positioner may further include a first-side set of workpiece supports including at least one first-side support operatively connected to the first-side set of rails, and a second-side set of workpiece supports including at least one second-side support operatively connected to the second-side set of rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Larkins
  • Patent number: 8330077
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas D. Ihde, Jeffery R. Ihde, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
  • Publication number: 20120305534
    Abstract: An industrial machine assembly includes an industrial machine and a handle. The industrial machine includes an upper wall and a side wall. The side wall and upper wall cooperate to define a corner. The handle includes a grasping portion, a first flange, and a second flange. The handle is configured for attachment to the industrial machine in one of a first position and a second position. When the handle is in the first position, the first and second flanges straddle the corner such that the first flange is adjacent to the upper wall and the second flange is adjacent to the side wall. When the handle is in the second position, the first and second flanges straddle the corner such that the first flange is adjacent to the side wall and the second flange is adjacent to the upper wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas David Williams, Bruce John Chantry
  • Patent number: 8321986
    Abstract: A nozzle cleaner having a configuration for centering a cutter thereof with respect to a welding nozzle. The nozzle cleaner peels off sputter from an inner peripheral surface of a welding nozzle by inserting the cutter toward the inner peripheral surface of the welding nozzle, and then rotating the cutter. The nozzle cleaner includes a guide mechanism to center the welding nozzle with respect to the cutter. The guide mechanism includes an insertion-side roller unit and a cutter-side roller unit, each having a pair of guide rollers having a smaller diameter portion and a pair of enlarged diameter portions. The enlarged diameter portions guide the welding nozzle to the vicinity of the central position of the corresponding smaller diameter portion. The facing guide rollers of the cutter-side roller unit and of the insertion-side roller unit are arranged in arrangement directions orthogonal to each other, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kyokutoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Nakazima
  • Patent number: 8324531
    Abstract: A positioning device (13) for producing a light signal (32) to position a robot tool (2) relative to a workpiece (14) is provided. The positioning device (13) comprises a frame (16) and a pair of light sources (22, 24) mounted at the free end of the frame and arranged to direct a pair of light beams (28, 30) therefrom in converging directions which intersect with each other and provide a light signal (32) at a predetermined distance from the free end of the frame (16). The positioning device (13) can include two pairs of light sources to generate two pairs of intersecting light beams (28, 30; 29, 31, ). The two pairs of light sources can be arranged so that the two pairs of light beams (28, 30; 29, 31) are located substantially 90 degrees apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Turner
  • Publication number: 20120298630
    Abstract: A welding apparatus is provided herein. The apparatus includes a wire source having welding wire, a wire feed drive, and a wire pulser. The wire feed drive drives the welding wire from the wire source. The wire pulser has a first end associated with the wire feed drive and a second end associated with a wire conduit. The wire is fed through the wire conduit to a wire nozzle. The wire pulser increase and decrease the effective length of the wire as the wire moves through the wire conduit from the wire feed drive to the wire nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Stoutamire
  • Publication number: 20120291172
    Abstract: Arc welding systems, methods, and apparatus that provide dual-spectrum, real-time viewable, enhanced user-discrimination between arc welding characteristics during an arc welding process. Welding headgear is configured to shield a user from harmful radiation and to include a digital camera or cameras to provide dual-spectrum (i.e., both visible spectrum and infrared spectrum) real-time digital video image frames. The welding headgear is also configured with an optical display assembly for displaying real-time digital video image frames to the user while wearing the headgear during an arc welding process. Image processing is performed on the visible and infrared spectrum video image frames to generate dual-spectrum video image frames providing an integrated and optimized view of both the visible and thermal characteristics of the arc welding process which can be viewed by the user on the optical display assembly in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Alan Wills, William T. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120288728
    Abstract: Systems and methods for joining BMG Composites are disclosed. Specifically, the joining of BMG Composites is implemented so as to preserve the amorphicity of their matrix phase and the microstructure of their particulate phase. Implementation of the joining method with respect to the construction of modular cellular structures that comprise BMG Composites is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofmann, Scott N. Roberts, Henry Kozachkov, Marios D. Demetriou, Joseph P. Schramm, William L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8307717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an insulation material to a surface by inserting a nozzle and a neck of a welding gun through a channel in an insulation material, positioning the insulation material on the surface to be insulated using the welding gun, firmly pushing the welding gun into the channel of the insulation material until the nozzle of the welding gun, an anchor embedded in the insulation material and the surface are in contact, welding the anchor of the insulation material to the surface with the welding gun, and removing the nozzle and the neck of the welding gun from the channel in the insulation material. A method and apparatus for testing the integrity of a weld between an anchored insulation material, a surface and a nozzle of a welding gun. A special tool for testing the integrity of the weld between the anchored insulation material and a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Refractory Anchors, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Loren Buchman