Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for Orbital welding of pipes or pipe segments together to form a pipeline, i.e., Orbital welding. A scanner welding unit, a control unit and a welding unit are combined to travel along and above a seam, which is formed between two interfacing base/cylindrical surfaces of every two pipe or pipe segments, scan the pipes/pipe segments relative positioning, alignment and levelling, and their surface geometry and topography and overlay a welding material starting from the root layer at the bottom of the seam and up to its edge and sealing it with a capping layer. The welding unit lowers a welding tip into the seam that may rotate on its axis at different angels relative to the surface during welding. The scanner unit may alert on mismatches on the relative position of the pipes/pipe segments before or after welding and in some cases enable repositioning for a more hermetically sealed weld.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a coupling portion that couples to a gas metal arc welding (GMAW) wire drive assembly and receives electrical current flow from the GMAW wire drive assembly. Additionally, the adapter assembly includes a receiving portion that couples with a connector of a welding cable of a non-GMAW torch to provide the electrical current flow to the non-GMAW torch from the GMAW wire drive assembly. Further, the adapter assembly includes an insulating component that affixes around the receiving portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding torch using a rotating coupler assembly that operates between 0 and 800 amps. The rotating coupler assembly allows for 360 degrees of rotation while keeping rotational friction at a minimum. The breakaway torque for the rotating coupler assembly is insignificant and the rotating coupler assembly can be rotated with little effort by hand. While the rotating coupler assembly minimizes rotational friction the design allow for rotating coupler assembly to continue to operate after 1-5 mm of wear on the contact surfaces. An embodiment of the rotating coupler assembly can be quickly disconnected from the unicable.

Abstract: A spool gun having a very unique look, due to its arrangement of 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. A gas/power cable is connected to the body of the spool gun forward of the handle.

Abstract: A swing/rotating gas metal arc welding torch, include a hollow shaft motor and a feeder panel. An upper extending shaft of the feeder panel penetrates through a brush mechanism, and is fixedly connected to a lower extension shaft of the hollow shaft by means of a coupling, and a lower extending shaft of the feeder panel penetrates through a support bearing mounted in a brush base and is then connected to an eccentric or bent conductive rod mechanism; the motor base is fixedly connected to the brush base by means of connecting screws, and a welding shielding gas is provided and welding torch cooling is achieved by means of inner holes of the connecting screws as well as a built-in gas passage and a cooling water passage of the brush base; the length of the conductive rod mechanism is adjusted by means of modulation or extension and retraction.

Abstract: An end assembly for use with a welding device having a contact tip, a diffusor body, and a gooseneck. The contact tip has a convex end surface that contacts and mates with a concave end of the diffuser body. The diffuser body forms a blind bore forming central web and a series of passageways. A longitudinal passageway segment is formed in the contact tip parallel with the central longitudinal electrode bore of the contact tip. A second passageway segment joins the first longitudinal passageway segment. When the contact tip is affixed to the diffuser body, a chamber is formed at the base of the contact tip communicating with the diffuser body passageways. Shielding gas that flows into the diffuser body passes through the web passageways into the chamber and through the first and second passageways of the contact tip to provide shielding gas to the weld site and cool the contact tip during welding operations.

Abstract: A welding gun includes a proximity restricting mechanism that is provided between a shaft and a cover member in a manner to surround the shaft and to be displaceable relative to the shaft in an axial direction in accordance with expansion and contraction of the cover member, and that restricts the cover member from approaching too closely the shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a welding torch is provided. The system includes a gripping module for holding and releasing a component of the welding torch, the gripping module is movable along an axis of the gripping module and rotatable about the axis; and a control system for providing a degree of freedom in a movement of the gripping module to control or reduce a force exerted between mating components of the welding torch.

Abstract: An end assembly for use with a welding device having a chamber between the diffuser sleeve and the insert which allows for cooling the insert and for controlling the flow of gas through the end assembly. Some of the components of the end assembly such as the contact tip, insert and gooseneck are constructed of a conductive material which are securely held together in contact by a diffuser sleeve constructed of a dissimilar material. The end assembly provides better conductivity of the current through the end assembly for use of less energy during welding.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch with an improved air cooled handle are provided. The welding torch may include a body, a cable assembly, and a torch head, with a handle placed over the body and the cable assembly. The handle may feature a curved end designed to fit near the torch head without contacting the torch head, providing a closer gripping point to allow greater control of the torch. In addition, the handle may be spaced from the body and the cable assembly to form an air space within the handle through which air may flow to cool the handle.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding torch assembly including a body, a first feed roll, a second feed roll, and a lever. The first and second feed rolls are both configured to rotate with respect to the body, and the first and second feed rolls are disposed opposite from one another about a welding wire feed region. The lever is configured to pivot at a first end of the lever about a lever joint of the body, and the second feed roll is movable between a first position and a second position in response to movement of a second end of the lever. The second feed roll is adjacent to the first feed roll in the first position, the second feed roll is not adjacent to the first feed roll in the second position, and the lever is configured to maintain the feed roll in the second position.

Abstract: A welding wire feeding device includes a base, a fixing post, a pressing member, a motor, and a conveying mechanism. The pressing member is pivotally connected with a driven wheel. A tension spring is provided between the fixing post and the pressing member. A shaft portion of the motor is pivotally connected with a driving wheel. The conveying mechanism is coupled to the base and has an air hole. The base is formed with a first passage and a second passage connected with a gas cylinder. The length of the conveying tube of the conveying mechanism can be adjusted by pressing. A wire is sandwiched between the driving wheel and the driven wheel through the tension spring. The motor drives the driving wheel to rotate the driven wheel so as to continuously convey the wire; meanwhile, the inert gas can be sent out through the second passage and the conveying mechanism to prevent a workpiece from being oxidized.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, an insulator disposed within the nozzle body, and a nozzle insert disposed within the insulator. The nozzle insert includes an internal gas diverter. A contact tip is disposed within the nozzle assembly and includes at least one aperture extending from an exterior portion to an internal cavity, an exit orifice, a distal end face, and an exterior surface extending between the at least one aperture and the distal end portion of the contact tip. The internal gas diverter directs a flow of shield gas exiting the at least one aperture along the exterior surface of the contact tip.

Abstract: An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use.

Abstract: An extrusion head or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extrusion head may be spring-biased forward along a feedpath to rest in a downward position, or the extrusion head may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder.

Abstract: A welding system includes an orientation sensing system associated with a welding torch and is configured to sense a welding torch orientation relative to a direction of gravity. The welding system also includes a processing system communicatively couple to the orientation sensing system and configured to determine an angular position of the welding torch relative to a pipe based at least in part on the sense welding torch orientation.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a welding torch, a welding torch that includes said nozzle assembly, and a method of using the welding torch is provided. The nozzle assembly generally comprises an insulator having a plurality of grooves around an outer periphery, a plurality of sealing members disposed within the grooves of the insulator; and a nozzle body slip-fit around the insulator, such that at least one of the insulator and the nozzle body define position indicia.

Abstract: A robotic accessory mounting assembly used in connection with a robot to attach an accessory to the robot, the mounting assembly including a cable connected to an implement mounted on the robot; the cable having a cable length; the implement including a first component having a first length, wherein the implement with the first component has an implement length that corresponds to the cable length; and a second component adapted to replace the first component, the second component having a length less than the first component, wherein replacement of the first component with the second component reduces the implement length defining a clearance relative to the cable length to receive an accessory mount in-line with the implement.

Abstract: To perform highly accurate cutting according to stable power feed from a machining power supply, a wire electric discharge machining apparatus includes a wire wound over main guide rollers a plurality of times to simultaneously perform a plurality of kinds of cutting. Wire laying work for a plurality of the wires on power feed elements is reduced, uniform power is fed to cutting wire sections, stable machining is intended, and according to alignment positions, for each of units, a plurality of the power feed elements are aligned to correspond to a wire parallel arrangement interval of the cutting wire sections set as power feed targets and are disposed to feed power to the cutting wire sections with an interval of at least every other cutting wire section.

Abstract: A welding system includes a wire drive assembly having feed rolls for feeding welding wire through a welding torch assembly. The welding system also includes a rear structure disposed at an upstream end of the welding torch assembly, a forward structure disposed at a downstream end of the welding torch assembly, and a continuous guide structure. The rear structure has a rear structure aperture through which the welding wire is received, the forward structure has a forward structure aperture through which the welding wire is output, and the continuous guide structure is disposed between and coupled to the rear structure aperture and the forward structure aperture. The rear structure aperture is aligned with a first axis, the forward structure aperture is aligned with a second axis, and the first and second axes are offset from each other.

Abstract: A welding torch has a torch handle. A wire drive assembly is disposed in the torch handle and includes a drive motor and a drive roller. The wire drive assembly contacts the welding wire and is configured to drive the welding wire from a wire feeder to a welding operation. In addition, the welding torch has a trigger and a wire feed speed adjustment assembly. The trigger is disposed near a rear end of the torch handle and is configured to be depressed by an operator for initiating feed of the welding wire. The adjustment assembly is positioned near the rear end of the handle adjacent to the trigger and on the same side of the handle as the trigger. The adjustment assembly allows operator adjustment of a feed speed of the welding wire.

Abstract: A welding wire conveyor device (1) and a method for locking a pivotable roll receiver off the welding wire conveyor device (1). The device includes a drive roll receiver (11) and a pivotable pressure roll receiver (10). The pressure roll receiver (10) is coupled to a pivotable actuation mechanism (20) enabling movement to a pivoted position. The pressure roll receiver (10) may be locked in the pivoted position by a locking device (200).

Abstract: A welding training system includes a welding training software having a first training mode configured to simulate a welding arc and a second training mode configured to use a live welding arc. The welding training system is configured to block welding power flow between a welding power supply and a welding torch while the welding training software is in the first training mode. The welding training system is also configured to enable the welding power to flow between the welding power supply and the welding torch while the welding training software is in the second training mode.

Abstract: A method for extracting fumes from a robotic welder is disclosed. The method includes controlling a robotic welder to produce a weld and extracting fumes produced by the robotic welder via a vacuum source. The method also includes selectively varying the vacuum source as a function of the position of the robotic welder.

Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may include disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.

Abstract: Embodiments of a welding wire feeder including a pushbutton wire guide holder are provided. The wire guide holder may allow for the insertion and removal of a welding wire guide by depression of a spring-biased pushbutton and hold the wire guide with force applied by a spring. The pushbutton is disposed in a body, and a stop placed in contact with the pushbutton may prevent the pushbutton from being forced out of the body by the spring force. Some embodiments are directed toward holding inlet wire guides or intermediate wire guides, and therefore include different configurations of the body, pushbutton, spring, and stop.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus comprises a conductor tube defining an internal passageway is disclosed. The conductor tube further defines an external surface profile and a distal end portion. The conductor tube is configured to engage a sleeve having inner and outer surface profiles. The inner surface profile is configured to abut the external surface profile of the conductor tube, and the outer surface profile comprises an engaging portion.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a welding torch, a welding torch that includes said nozzle assembly, and a method of using the welding torch is provided. The nozzle assembly generally comprises an insulator having a plurality of grooves around an outer periphery, a plurality of sealing members disposed within the grooves of the insulator; and a nozzle body slip-fit around the insulator, such that at least one of the insulator and the nozzle body define position indicia.

Abstract: A gas metal arc welding system that includes first and second welding torch assemblies arranged to operate in tandem. The first welding torch assembly further includes a rotable torch body; a contact tip connected to one end of the rotatable torch body, wherein the contact tip further includes an angled passage formed therethrough; a consumable wire electrode passing through the rotating torch body and exiting the contact tip through the offset exit hole; and a source of shielding gas. The second welding torch assembly further includes a non-rotatable torch body; a contact tip connected to one end of the non-rotatable torch body; a consumable wire electrode passing through the non-rotatable torch body and exiting through the contact tip; and a source of shielding gas.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus includes a conductor tube assembly that has a collar assembly with a collar body that is biased by a spring. A consumable assembly is mechanically secured to the conductor tube and displaces the collar body and the collar body imparts a biasing force against the consumable assembly pretensioning the consumable assembly on the conductor tube assembly.

Abstract: An attachment device for use in connecting a conductor tube to a handle of a welding gun is provided that includes an adapter disposed proximate the handle of the welding gun, wherein the adapter defines a plurality of radially spaced receiving portions. A conductor tube is disposed adjacent the adapter, and the conductor tube defines at least one extension disposed near a proximal end portion of the conductor tube. The plurality of radially spaced receiving portions are adapted for engagement by the extension of the conductor tube such that the conductor tube can be repositioned relative to the handle of the welding gun.

Abstract: A mock welding unicoupon for a virtual welding system includes a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface perpendicular to the first exterior surface. The first exterior surface and the second exterior surface together provide a plurality of grooves configured for simulation of a plurality of different types groove welds on the mock welding unicoupon. A curved exterior surface is configured for simulation of a pipe fillet weld on the mock welding unicoupon. A magnet source is configured to generate a magnetic field around the mock welding unicoupon for tracking movements of a mock welding tool with respect to the mock welding unicoupon.

Abstract: A mount for connecting a welding gun to a welding robot's arm. An articulated joint is provided between two rigid elements of the mount. The joint includes a sleeve securable to a first element. A first bore is provided on the second element. The sleeve is inserted into the bore. The bore's inner diameter and the sleeve's outer diameter are such as to allow the second element to turn with the first bore relative to the sleeve. An expansion element provided in the interior of the sleeve is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. The expansion element has a central opening through which a tensioning bolt is passed. The bolt threadably engages a support element causing expansion of the sleeve, thereby causing the sleeve to seize around the circumference thereof in the bore. The expansion and seizing of the sleeve is neutralized by a release and stop.

Abstract: A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a welding torch handle that has an unenclosed slot extending from one end thereof. This unenclosed slot provides a mechanism through which insulated signal leads of a conductor can extend from the interior of the handle to connect with a trigger disposed outside the handle. As one advantage, the unenclosed nature of the slot facilitates this coupling without the need for threading of the leads, which can damage the leads.

Abstract: A welding torch having guidance means designed to advance a wire-like welding filler material mechanically along an axis at least in a section of the welding torch, a process gas nozzle that coaxially surrounds at least the guidance means, and a welding current connector that is connected in electrically conductive manner to an element of the welding torch that is configured to conduct electrical current. A hollow electrode is provided that surrounds the axis coaxially and as the element configured for conducting current is connected in electrically conductive manner to the welding current connector, wherein the guidance means are designed to advance the wire-like welding filler material in potential free manner. The welding torch may be used as part of a welding apparatus for a variety of welding methods.

Abstract: A welding torch is provided. The welding torch includes an insulating cup removably attached to a head portion of the welding torch. The insulating cup is configured to receive an electrode. The welding torch includes a grounding collar for a contact tip. The grounding collar is attached after the insulating cup and provided around the head portion of the welding torch. The grounding collar is configured to position the contact tip in angular relation to the electrode. The welding torch further includes a body extending from the grounding collar. The body is configured to have a substantially linear configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multi-wire welding torch (6), more specifically to a laser-hybrid single- or multi-wire welding head provided with the welding torch (6) which can be connected to a welding device via a hose pack and consists of several parts such as a torch handle, a tubular welding torch housing, a contact housing, a contact tube for each welding wire (21a, 21b), a gas nozzle (2) etc., wherein an internal insert (28) for receiving the contact tube(s) (20a, 20b) and the gas nozzle (2) is mounted in an end area of the welding torch housing. A fixing element (30) made at least partially of a flexible material is placed on the internal insert (28) or on the housing (2) for producing as required an, in particular, gas-tight connection between said internal insert (28) and the gas nozzle (2) pushed thereon. This connection can be established by the spatial extension of the fixing element.

Abstract: A welding gun is provided that can achieve both a size reduction and increase in pressure using a servo motor. The welding gun (1,2) includes an arm holder (30) having guide pins (31a, 31b and 32a, 32b) that are moveable along guide tracks (12a, 12b) formed in a gun bracket (10), and a mobile gun arm (40) is mounted to this arm holder. Roller followers (33a, 33b and 34a, 34b) engaging with the guide tracks around the guide pins are provided, and the mobile gun arm is made to open or close via the arm holder using a servo motor (72).

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a camera device and wire guide system that includes a bracket for a wire guide and a camera device, wherein the bracket aligns the camera device to aim on a position of a welding zone for an orbital welding system. In particular, the bracket supports a wire guide to be positioned on a welding zone while also supporting a camera device that can be positioned on the welding zone. The bracket enables the welding zone to be captured by the camera device and is centered on the wire guide to remain positioned on the welding zone. The bracket provides placement of a camera device to provide video/camera visibility of the welding zone while allows adjustment of the camera device with wire location adjustment or independent of wire location adjustment.

Abstract: A welding training system includes a welding training software having a first training mode configured to simulate a welding arc and a second training mode configured to use a live welding arc. The welding training system is configured to block welding power flow between a welding power supply and a welding torch while the welding training software is in the first training mode. The welding training system is also configured to enable the welding power to flow between the welding power supply and the welding torch while the welding training software is in the second training mode.

Abstract: It is an improved alternative device for welding, comprised of a stainless steel attachment for a cordless motorized driver, with optional extended accessory for greater adjustability. The driver includes a grooved rubber roller, whose rotation feeds a rod in a forward or backward motion, controlled by pressing the corresponding starter buttons for the driver's motor. The attachment is composed of a support ring bracket, connecting a fixed track, and adjustable track. The latter can be adjusted as desired, with the former used as support for stabilizing the rod as it is fed. The driver is designed to comfortably fit an adult hand, and power the feeding process by rotating the driver shaft, on which the rubber roller is fixed. It is an improvement for its ease of use, eliminating the restricted entry in the field, by allowing beginners to safely and efficiently weld.

Abstract: A semi-automatic brazing apparatus having a brazing wire feeding apparatus containing a brazing wire feed mechanism a controller, and a user input device. The brazing wire from a brazing wire source is continuously drawn from the source through the apparatus via the feeding mechanism and is directed towards a brazing gun for a semi-automatic brazing operation.

Abstract: A self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly includes a mount fixedly connectable to a multi-axis robotic arm, and a slidable, floating adapter plate for mounting of a wire feeder thereon. The adapter plate is coupled with and slidable about the mount, and the adapter plate is moveable relative to the mount when a force is applied to the wire feeder.

Abstract: A welding torch includes a torch housing and, preferably, a tube bend fastenable thereto. A drive unit for feeding a welding wire is arranged in the torch housing and is formed by at least a drive roller and a pressure roller, as well as a drive motor. Part of the torch housing is designed as a component of the drive unit. A rotor, in particular a motor shaft, of the drive motor is fastened to the torch housing via a bearing or bearings to stabilize and position the rotor. A welding wire feed drive motor includes bearings, a rotor, in particular a motor shaft and a rotor winding or rotor magnets, and a stator pack, in particular stator winding or stator magnets. At least a part of the motor shaft, in particular the retention zone of a drive roller, is electrically insulated from the stator housing or base body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a MIG- or MAG-welding gun, comprising a hand-held grip for supporting, handling and aiming the welding gun during a welding process, the grip including a body member (1). The grip further includes a grip member (2) pivotable relative to the body member (1) and lying alongside the body member over at least part of the same lengthwise extent as the body member. The grip member (2) has its free end pivotable to such a distance from the body member (1) that a hand grasping around the pivotable grip member (2) fits between the body member (1) and the pivotable grip member (2), the body member (1) resting on top of the hand. When the pivotable grip member (2) has its free end is in its position pivoted into the engagement with the body member (1), these two components constitute jointly a handle for the hand to grasp around.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic or hand held welding is disclosed and includes a power circuit with a controller. The controller has a robot detector. A hand-held module and a robot interface are responsive to the robot detector. A user interface provides welding parameter setpoints to the hand held module when the robot detector detects a gun, or the absence of a robot. When a gun is present, the trigger on the gun is used to cause power to be provided, and/or welding parameters are set by the user interface on the system. When a robot is present the robot controls the process. The detection is done at start-up, or at other times.

Abstract: A jump liner for a push-pull MIG welding torch includes an elongated tubular body having front and back ends. The tubular body is made of a flexible plastic material. A front adapter is disposed at the front end of the tubular body. The front adapter is fittable in a retaining head of the torch. A back adapter is disposed at the back end of the tubular body. The back adapter is fittable in a gooseneck or body block of the welding torch. The front adapter provides sealing between the jump liner and the retaining head to prevent back flow leakage of shielding gas, and the front adapter prevents deformation of the tubular body at elevated temperatures. The back adapter provides sealing between the jump liner and the gooseneck or body block.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wire guiding liner, in particular a welding wire liner, having a plurality of guiding bodies which are pivotable with respect to each other around a defined pivot axis. At least one biasing device is provided which acts between adjacent guiding bodies so as to push them apart while still allowing the liner to bend under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a contact tube (20) of a welding torch (10), via which contact tube a welding wire (13) is supplied with electrical energy, said welding wire being moved towards the welding torch (10) by a wire reel (14) or a welding drum via a wire feeder (11), as well as to a welding plant (1) and a contact tube (20) for the welding torch (10) of such a welding plant (1). In order to prolong the service life of a contact tube (20) of a welding torch (10), the invention provides that the welding wire (13) is at least once moved backwards in the direction of the wire reel (4) or wire drum until the end (27) of the welding wire (13) lies at least within the length (36) of the contact tube (20), and that the welding wire (13) will subsequently again be moved forwards, in particular moved backwards into its starting position.