Abstract: In a welding station, one end of a positioning jig is held by a positioning robot, and the other end of the positioning jig is held by a positioning jig holder mechanism. The positioning robot is moved for positioning and fixing a vehicle body frame, which is fixed to the positioning jig, in any attitude, and a desired welding operation is performed on the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A substrate, thermal treatment assembly and method of operating the thermal treatment assembly are described for controlling the temperature of a substrate An electrical potential is applied across two or more locations on the substrate in order to generate an electrical current through a portion of the substrate, thereby altering a temperature of the substrate. The electrical current may dissipate electrical energy in the form of thermal energy due to the intrinsic resistance of the portion of substrate to the flow of electrical current.

Abstract: A laser processing method includes the steps of: preparing a long metal object to be irradiated; and irradiating the object with a laser beam at a certain portion in a longitudinal direction of the object. The irradiation is performed along a width direction of the object for both a first half path from one end to the other end of the object in the width direction and a return path from the other end to the one end so that the object can be bent.

Abstract: A system and method of fabricating tank car outer jackets are provided that include supporting a plurality of coils of sheet metal on a plurality of coil supports such that the central longitudinal axes of the plurality of coils are generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of a mandrel adjacent the plurality of coils. A plurality of sheets of sheet metal are unwound from the plurality of coils by rotating each of the plurality of coils generally about the respective central longitudinal axes of each of the plurality of coils. As the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are wound onto the mandrel, adjacent sheets of the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are welded together using a plurality of automated welding torches proximate the mandrel. The plurality of automated welding torches may be coupled for communication with a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for a thermal profile in a substrate heating process are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of processing a substrate includes determining an initial thermal profile of a substrate resulting from a process; imposing a compensatory thermal profile on the substrate based on the initial thermal profile; and performing the process to create a desired thermal profile on the substrate. In other embodiments of the invention, the initial substrate thermal profile is compensated for by adjusting a local mass heated per unit area, a local heat capacity per unit area, or an absorptivity or reflectivity of a component proximate the substrate prior to performing the process. In another embodiment, the heat provided by an edge ring to the substrate may be controlled either prior to or during the substrate heating process.

Abstract: A panel gripping jig for gripping a panel, regardless of the size and shape of the panel, includes a welding unit for temporarily holding the panel. A separation unit releases the coupling state of the panel and the welding unit. A mounting arm has the welding unit mounted thereon, moves the welding unit in a longitudinal direction thereof, and has a connection part to connect the mounting arm to a working robot. A displacement unit adjusts the position of the welding unit on the mounting arm. A control board outputs control signals to operate the welding unit, the separation unit, and the displacement unit according to a user input.

Abstract: Welding equipment that includes a tooling cart for transferring interchangeable tooling modules to a welding machine. A latch is mounted to the welding machine for latching the tooling cart to the welding machine, and a latch is provided for latching the tooling modules onto the tooling cart. A two-piece tooling cart includes a removable upper section for securing tooling modules thereto and a reusable lower section for use with other tooling modules. A welding method permits operation of a welding machine using a user interface that permits modular programming of at least one operational sequence of welding machine valves and weld operations for a variety of different tooling modules. An operator inputs a new sequence of operations using the user interface rather than having to rewrite ladder logic just to switch over the welding machine to use with a different tooling module.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: A system for the welding of motor-vehicle bodies comprises a conveying line, for carrying the motor-vehicle bodies to be welded through a welding station, and a plurality of pairs of side gates mobile on guide means, the gates of each pair being adapted to the configuration of a corresponding type of body to be welded. According to the invention there is provided a plurality of tractors, which are independent with respect to said side gates, each tractor being selectively coupleable in an automatic way to side gates of different pairs, for the purposes of displacement of the latter between an active position, close to the welding station, and at least one parking position, remote from the welding station.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: A portable welding cell unit includes a frame structure in which first and second welding stations are disposed. A robot arm is also provided within the frame. The robot arm can pivot between the first and second welding stations such that a work piece can be welded in the first welding station while a work piece is being loaded into or unloaded from the second welding station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and transferring a workpiece to a forming press for superplastic forming. The apparatus includes a heater assembly, having upper and lower heated platens, mounted to a frame. The heater assembly heats the workpiece to a predetermined temperature. A shuttle assembly operates to remove the heated workpiece from the heater assembly and transfer it to the forming press for forming.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner includes a workpiece holder that is mounted to a chassis for rotation about a central axis, and further includes a first set of workpiece supports for retaining and supporting a first workpiece between a drive end and an idler end, and a second set of workpiece supports for retaining and supporting a second workpiece between the drive end and the idler end. The workpiece positioner also includes a support member that links the drive end to the idler end. This support member has a cross-sectional shape that is best characterized as an I-beam, and as such, the work envelopes for the first and second working pieces are very close together, but at the same time, still separated such that welding or other similar manufacturing and/or processing operations can be performed on each workpiece without any interference or effect on the other workpiece.

Abstract: A weld shield device for facilitating end-to-end welding of two pipe segments having fiberglass liners. The weld shield device includes an insulation material applied about the outer surface of a sleeve body. The sleeve body helps establish a welding gap between the two pipe segments. The insulation material reduces the heat transfer from the welding operations to the fiberglass liners. Additionally, a method of joining two pipe segments with fiberglass liners is provided, which includes connecting a first end of a weld shield device to a first pipe segment and connecting a second pipe segment to the second end of the weld shield device with the weld shield device being partially in a cutout portion of the fiberglass liner. Then, the two pipe segments are welded together. Insulation material on the weld shield device reduces the heat transfer from the welding operations to the fiberglass liners.

Abstract: A method and machine for deburring the burr which is formed when wires are butt welded is disclosed. The machine comprises a deburring head which has a pair of opposed deburring rollers mounted thereon. Each of the rollers has a milled surface formed therein. A linkage is connected to the rollers to cause the rollers to rotate when the linkage is moved between first and second positions. When the linkage is in its first position, the milled surfaces of the rollers face one another to enable the wires and burr to be positioned therebetween. As the linkage moves to its second position, the circumferences of the rollers engage the burr to roll out the same, thereby providing a substantially smooth, cylindrical surface where the burr was located. The method of deburring is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a welding system for performing butt welding which comprises butting the end surfaces of steel plates, materials to be welded, placed on the upper surface of a table of a welding stage and welding the end surfaces together, a welding head is a laser/arc combined welding head for simultaneously performing laser light irradiation and arc discharge of the materials 38 to be welded, thereby welding the materials to be welded, and the position of an arc electrode 40 in an up-and-down direction relative to the materials 38 to be welded, the position of the arc electrode in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of laser light 32 applied to the materials 38 to be welded, and the inclination angle of the arc electrode relative to the optical axis of the laser light 32 can be adjusted.

Abstract: A ceramic heater for heating a substrate in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The ceramic heater, which contains a thermal heat pipe made from Graphfoil embedded in, e.g., AIN, permits <1° C. temperature difference from the center to the edge of a substrate in a substrate holder.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed with interchangeable tooling modules for use in a base operating machine. Disconnectible welding current contactor members connect the tooling module to a power supply/transformer of the base operating machine when the module is installed. The module is movable on a guide between uninstalled and installed locations and the contactor members are closed upon installation of the module. A set of fluid pressure and electrical connector members have complementary mating parts mounted on a module connector plate and on a machine connector plate of the base operating machine. An actuator moves the machine connector plate from a retracted position to an extended position for connecting the complementary connector members after the module is installed.

Abstract: A plurality of robots are positioned on a rotatable table for transporting parts to be processed through a plurality of work stations positioned around the periphery of the table. Each robot can carry a workpiece from one work station to the next. The rotation of the table moves the robot from one workstation to the next while carrying a part to be processed. Each robot can be independently movable relative to the other robots and each robot can be independently movable relative to the table. Each robot can include a welder for processing the workpiece independent of the workstation or during movement between work stations. Each robot can carry a plurality of differently configured workpieces between the work stations.

Abstract: The material holding fixture has a base, which is slidably engaged with a rotatable holding platform. There are a pair of levers attached at one end to a base end and at the opposite end to a holding platform pivot position intermediate the ends of the holding platform. There is a back guide attached to the holding platform that is located to retain a material object in a position to engrave a surface. When the holding platform at a hinge end is moved relative to the base the holding platform opposite end is raised and lowered. The location of the levers maintains the holding platform opposite end and the base end in adjustment with an imaginary plane perpendicular to the base. This mechanism allows positioning of a surface of an object to be engraved perpendicular to a laser cutting device in instances where the object surface opposite is other than parallel to the surface to be engraved.

Abstract: A welding positioning system for seam welding adapted to to simplify a positioning determination of welding portion, thereby reducing working hours for taking the positioning determination and to automatically adjust the degree of lapped portion according to thickness of metal plate, thereby reducing adjusting time and to automatically accord the center line of welding, thereby improving a welded quality, the system comprising: a stopper vertically moving according to the center line of welding to adjust the degree of lapped portion at left and right metal plates; left and right hinge brackets rotatably mounted at a hinge axis at one side thereof in order to rotate within a predetermined range the metal plates inserted into the left and right sides of the stopper; and a pair of left and right clamps mounted at one side of the left and right hinge brackets for moving vertically to fix the metal plates.

Abstract: An automotive framing apparatus with a support frame having a frame roof supported above a generally horizontal support surface. At least four gate assemblies are carried by a carrousel supported on the frame roof for rotational movement around a common vertical axis and form two gate assembly pairs of diametrically-opposed gate assemblies. The gate assemblies of each gate assembly pair are supported for pivotal movement between generally horizontal stowed and generally vertical working positions. A rotary drive selectively positions one gate assembly pair at a time in a framing position from which the two gate assemblies of the selected gate assembly pair can be pivoted by a drive downward to respective diametrically opposed working positions on opposed sides of a vehicle body to be welded.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner is provided including a positioner chassis, a specially designed rotary framework, and first and second sets of workpiece supports. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a workpiece positioner is provided comprising a positioner chassis, a rotary framework, and first and second sets of workpiece supports. The rotary framework defines opposite rotary framework ends and is coupled to the positioner chassis so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal framework axis. The first set of workpiece supports is positioned on opposite ones of the rotary framework ends so as to define a first workpiece axis extending between the first set of workpiece supports. The second set of workpiece supports is positioned on opposite ones of the rotary framework ends so as to define a second workpiece axis extending between the second set of workpiece supports. The first workpiece axis and the second workpiece axis lie in a common workpiece plane.

Abstract: A locating and locking unit for sheet metal parts which are to be assembled by electric spot-welding on a motor-vehicle body, comprising a base platform, for receiving the trolley of a positioning frame equipped with locating and locking devices for the parts to be welded. The base platform can be rotated between a non-operative horizontal position and an inclined position in which the positioning frame can engage the parts to be welded in a welding station along the assembly line. Locating means are provided for defining the precise position of the positioning frame along two mutually orthogonal axes in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the line and along an axis parallel to the line.

Abstract: A clamping device for a motor vehicle production line has, on both sides of a transport apparatus for rough car bodies, ways on a common base frame leading underneath the transport apparatus for one side carriage each which can run separately on one side of the transport apparatus. The side carriage bears only the side members of one side of the transport apparatus. Clamping means serve to connect the side carriages with the base frame whenever the side carriages are in the working position.

Abstract: An aluminum nitride-based sintered body is disclosed, which includes aluminum nitride as a main ingredient and magnesium and has a polycrystalline structure composed of aluminum nitride crystals.

Abstract: A part feeder system includes a shipping container having a web of connected parts and a part presentation unit which performs work on the parts prior to installation or assembly of the finished parts. In another aspect of the present invention, the web of parts is automatically fed from the shipping container to the part presentation unit when the shipping container is in a predetermined position relative to the part presentation unit.

Abstract: A fixture for holding two members in alignment and in pressure engagement with each other during partial welding of the two members to each other and for holding the members in alignment and pressure engagement with each other while the two members are repositioned in the welding machine so the welding of the members to each other can be completed. The fixture includes a magnetic base for postionably mounting the fixture with respect to a welding unit, an extension extending from the magnetic base with the extension angularly supporting a lever spring in a cantilevered fashion with the free end of the cantilevered spring engaging a ball held in position by a magnetic holder.

Abstract: A workpiece is held at a welding station by several clamps during welding. After welding, the workpiece is transferred to a checking station where a determination is made of the actual location of critical points on the workpiece. The actual critical point locations are compared with ideal critical point locations to determine if there is any error in the manner in which the workpiece was held by the clamps. If an error is determined, one or more of the clamps are adjusted to compensate for the error when holding a subsequent workpiece for welding. Apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method of this invention.

Abstract: A guide pin comprising a metal core and a generally smooth, non-porous insulative ceramic layer disposed on the metal core. An intermediate layer comprising titanium-carbonitride (TiCN) may be disposed on the metal core, thereby improving bonding of the ceramic layer to the guide pin assembly. In an important feature, the insulative layer is generally nonporous and has high hardness, and thus exhibits excellent wear resistance. The intermediate and insulative layers are deposited by a chemical vapor deposition process known as the “Bernex” process that results in a very hard, generally nonporous coating.

Abstract: A vehicle body welding system includes a work station for welding components of a preassembled body with respect to one another. The body is moveable along a fixed path of travel through the work station. At least two moveable pillars are located on each side of the fixed path of travel through the work station for synchronized reciprocation between first and second end limits of travel toward and away from the fixed path of travel of the body. At least one gate is connectible in a repeatable located position with respect to the moveable pillars on each side of the fixed path for synchronized reciprocation between first and second positions toward and away from the fixed path of travel of the body. Locating members are engageable between each pillar and the corresponding gate for locating the gate with respect to the moveable pillar in at least two dimensions.

Abstract: A method and crucible for annealing SiC at high temperatures. The crucible s a vessel having a peripheral wall, at least two compartments separated by an inner wall within the peripheral wall and a lid which separates the compartments from the crucible surroundings while providing a passageway between the compartments. The peripheral wall, inner wall and lid are composed of materials capable of withstanding annealing temperatures. The process disposes an SiC wafer in one of the compartments and SiC powder disposed in another of the compartments. The SiC powder is present to hinder SiC wafer decomposition during annealing of the SiC wafer. The crucible is then heated to a temperature sufficient anneal the SiC wafer, preferably after evacuating air and flowing an inert gas in and around the crucible.

Abstract: In an apparatus for connecting two workpieces together by welding, the workpieces lie on supporting surfaces and are butted together at their edges to form a butt joint. The workpieces are subjected to pressure on the side opposite to the supporting surfaces. At least one supporting surface is capable of yielding under pressure, and, in so doing, changes its position in relation to the butt joint, so as to reduce any gap between the workpieces.

Abstract: There is described a welding station for motor-vehicle bodies or subassemblies thereof in which the body side panels are engaged during welding by locking devices arranged in the space between the body sides and carried by two locating gates which are rigidly connected to each other by means of quick coupling means.

Abstract: A method and crucible for annealing SiC at high temperatures. The crucible is a vessel having a peripheral wall, at least two compartments separated by an inner wall within the peripheral wall and a lid which separates the compartments from the crucible surroundings while providing a passageway between the compartments. The peripheral wall, inner wall and lid are composed of materials capable of withstanding annealing temperatures. The process disposes an SiC wafer in one of the compartments and SiC powder disposed in another of the compartments. The SiC powder is present to hinder SiC wafer decomposition during annealing of the SiC wafer. The crucible is then heated to a temperature sufficient anneal the SiC wafer, preferably after evacuating air and flowing an inert gas in and around the crucible.

Abstract: A welding station, for example for welding motor-vehicle bodies, receives only a part of the structure to be welded from a conveyor line, the remaining components of the structure being assembled with said part at the welding station itself, by using two locating gates which receive said components from manipulating robots, said robots also providing for carrying out the spot welding of the structure once the latter has been assembled and locked in a proper welding position by said locating gates. The locating gates are provided with self-propelled lower trolleys guided on rails, in order to be rapidly interchanged with another pair of locating gates adapted to a different type of body.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus for processing a wafer is disclosed. The thermal processing apparatus includes a thermal processing plate, a plurality of spacers, a plurality of locators, and a plurality of sensors. The temperature of the thermal processing plate is controlled within a predetermined range. The spacers are arranged over the thermal processing plate for supporting the wafer, thereby forming a gap between the wafer and the thermal processing plate. The locators, each of which is disposed over one of the spacers, are provided for locating the wafer. The sensors, each of which is disposed over one of the locators, are provided for detecting the position of the wafer.

Abstract: In a method for connecting two workpieces together by a welded seam, the workpieces are held in a welding station between opposed tracks consisting of a plurality of members. The tracks run around guide rollers in a conveying direction. A clearance (a) between the guide rollers which come first in the conveying direction can be changed upon insertion of the workpieces between the tracks.

Abstract: A developmental, manual gas-fill, ball-weld seal machine is provided to flexibly and quickly handle a wide range of inflators of different diameters and sizes for airbag applications. The change tooling for the different sizes and diameter inflators is simple and easy to replace. Completely axial clamping is provided to provide a good seal during fill and positive grounding during ball welding.

Abstract: An industrial resistance welding workcell includes a robot controller and robot, a welding control, and an overall workcell control in a form of a programmable logic controller and electronically-controlled electrically-actuator assembly is coupled to the wrist of a robot arm, which is further coupled to a conventional welding gun. The actuator assembly is controlled by an actuator control to vary the tip separation distance to any one of a virtually infinite number of separation distances, and further, is adapted to control a clamping force with a high degree of accuracy. The workcell further includes a tool used to secure a workpiece or workpieces. The tools characterized by use of an electronically-controlled electrically-actuated clamp for securing the position of the workpiece or workpieces relative to the base of the tool.

Abstract: A clamping device for butt welding metal sheets includes a base for supporting adjoining edges of a first and a second associated metal sheet. A first clamping unit is positioned above the base. The first clamping unit includes a plurality of first springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each first spring has a first end, for selectively contacting the first associated metal sheet, and a second end as well as a first support linkage to which the second ends of each of the plurality of first springs are secured. The support linkage selectively applies the plurality of first springs to the associated first metal sheet. A second clamping unit is positioned above the base in a spaced manner from the first clamping unit. The second clamping unit includes a plurality of second springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each second spring has a first end for selectively contacting the second associated metal sheet and a second end.

Abstract: A plate body is formed from two plane metal plates each at least 5 mm thick and having an edge at least 10 meters long, by machining each plate along its edge to form a welding groove with high accuracy relative to the dimensions and shape of the groove and with a smooth groove surface. The groove extends from a first side of each plate through only part of the thickness of the plates to leave a root area at the second side of the plate. The plates are supported in the vicinity of the welding groove from the second side of the plates by a support bed and are retained by use of suction in relative positions such that the root areas of the two plates are in confronting and contacting relationship. A weld is created in the welding groove by butt joint welding from the first side only of the plates.

Abstract: A cooling fixture for thermal spraying includes a rotatable tubular member for supporting a tubular substrate such as for an oxygen sensor. A cooling tube extends from the tubular member into an open end of the substrate so as to delimit an annular channel therein. The other end of the substrate is closed. Air is forced through the cooling tube into the substrate and thence out via the annular channel, to cool the substrate during thermal spray coating of the outside surface.

Abstract: A weld fixture for receiving and aligning the fuel rod contact points of a nuclear fuel bundle spacer grid. Two plates are provided with intersecting unequally spaced slots that define polygons on one side of each plate. Both plates have bores therethrough substantially at the slot intersections and in the slots adjacent the outer edges of the plates. Bores are provided through both plates in polygons that correspond to fuel assembly guide tube and instrument tube locations. These positions receive guide cell pins during use, some of which are hollow and are used to bolt the plates together over the spacer grid strips. Bores in each plate through the defined polygons receive alignment pins. Guide rods receive and align the plates through corner bores in each plate. The slots and pins in the facing plates align the critical fuel rod contact points in the spacer grid during the intersection welding process.

Abstract: In a welding station, particularly for motor-vehicle bodies, the elements to be welded are locked in a precise position by locking devices carried by locating gates. There are provided a number of pairs of locating gates, corresponding to the number of different types of structures to be welded on which the station must operate. The gates are mounted on powered carriages which are guided longitudinally on both sides of the conveyor line to allow the pair of gates which are in the operative position to be rapidly interchanged. The elements of the structure to be welded reach the work area suspended to a hook, without being preliminarly connected to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly fixture and method useful for the assembly and fabrication of metal grids such as used to support and position the fissionable fuel rods of a nuclear fuel assembly. The grid assembly fixture uses a grid assembly plate (1) and a plurality of toggle clamp assemblies (9) and clamping pads (12) attached thereto to temporarily hold the four peripheral or border grid straps (7) in proper position and alignment against the four sides of the grid assembly plate (1). A strap retention assembly (13) is then placed around the four peripheral or border grid straps (7) to hold them in proper position and alignment during the further fabrication and welding of the grid straps (7).

Abstract: A modular grid welding fixture for a spacer grid that facilitates full grid laser welding of a spacer grid in one setup. The modular design allows for partial implementation of each weld type. A base plate is used for mounting to the positioning/rotational plate of the welding system. A removable sub-plate received in the base plate is used to position the grid strips for proper location for welding. A top fixture plate is aligned with the base plate and provides for mounting of a second sub-plate if required. Side plates with spring loaded pressure pads that are hinged to the top fixture plate apply uniform pressure to the outer grid strips during processing. The base plate, top plate, side plate, and pressure pads are provided with a plurality of through holes to allow access of the laser beam for welding. Corner clips are used to insure contact of the overlapping sections of the outer grid strips for proper corner welding.

Abstract: In a welding device for motor vehicle bodies there are provided a number of pairs of locating gates adapted to operate on different models of body. In the work position, each pair of locating gates can be selectively coupled to a plurality of auxiliary fixtures depending upon the specific version (for example hatchback, sedan, station-wagon) of the model of body to be welded.

Abstract: In a welding station, particularly for motor-vehicle bodies, the elements to be welded are locked in a precise position by locking devices carried by locating gates. There are provided a number of parts of locating gates, corresponding to the number of different types of structures to be welded on which the station must operate. The gates are mounted on powered carriages which are guided longitudinally on both sides of the conveyor line to allow the pair of gates which are in the operative position to be rapidly interchanged. The elements of the structure to be welded reach the work area suspended to a hook, without being preliminarly connected to each other.