Abstract: A welding device for butt welding of bars, blooms, slabs, or billets produced by continuous casting comprises a roller conveyor for simultaneous conveying of at least two bars along a rolling line, jaws for gripping bars, electric power supplies which are set in contact with the surfaces of the two bars, for carrying out a welding operation. The electric power supplies are provided with respective positioning and actuating means, controlled by an actuation device which actuates them independently from one another during setting in contact and detachment of the bars.

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 vertical diffusion bonding apparatus is provided with a lower block, a pressurizing jig which is fitted to a metal pipe supplied from an upper position, and a pressurizing mechanisms stood erect on the lower block. The lower metal pipe is held by the lower block and the pressurizing jig bonded to the metal pipe is attracted toward the lower block by using the pressurizing mechanisms. Thus, the metal pipe which is supplied from an upper position is pressed against the lower metal pipe.

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: Corresponding edge faces of first and second blank materials disposed in a horizontal plane are aligned on a predetermined welding line. A positioning member is provided which comes in contact with and can be withdrawn from one edge face of the first blank material on the welding line. A base end of the first blank material is supported by a supporting mechanism, the vicinity of one end face of the first blank material is gripped by the first clamp, the first clamp withdraws from the welding line so as to cause the first blank material to buckle. In this state, the first blank material is pressed against the positioning member and fixed by a second clamp. In this way, the end face of the first blank material is precisely positioned on the welding line. After the withdrawal of the positioning member from the welding line, the second blank material is pressed against the first blank material until the second blank material is buckled.

Abstract: In a process for joining two metallic workpieces together, the pieces are butted together to form a butt joint and are joined to one another in the region of the butt joint. During this operation, the workpieces are subjected to a magnetic attraction force at one side, and. can be subjected to holddown pressure on the opposite side.

Abstract: A process for assembling a storage device such as a disk drive storage device using a laser welding technique. A welding fixture holds a storage device component in a predefined three dimensional location with a small gap relative to a second component so that improved dimensional accuracy is achieved. This welding of components that do not touch allows for assembly tolerances that are independent of component tolerances. The welding fixture can use magnetic force.

Abstract: In a process for joining two metallic workpieces (1.1,1.2) together, the pieces are butted together to form a butt joint (2) and are joined to one another in the region of the butt joint (2). During this operation, the workpieces (1.1,1.2) are subjected to a magnetic attraction force at one side, and can be subjected to holddown pressure on the opposite side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding thin sheets (34) and (35) at the periphery of aligned holes therein by melting the sheets together by a rotating electrode (23) in a protective gas atmosphere. The sheets (34) and (35) are pressed together by copper rings (32) and (33) which also function as heat transfer members to conduct the heat away from the welding seam and thus prevent distortion thereat. The electrode (23) is adjusted to the proper vertical position by a guide (9) in a jig (7), and it is locked to the position determined by the sheets (34) and (35) by a clamp (31).

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: An installation for positioning edge to edge and welding by means of a laser beam at least two sheet blanks comprises means for supporting and positioning a first sheet blank in a horizontal reference plane, means for positioning the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank on the axis of the laser beam, means for maintaining the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank, means for clamping the first sheet blank, means for supporting and positioning at least one second sheet blank, means for maintaining the edge to be welded of the second sheet blank against the edge to be welded of the first sheet blank, means for clamping with a sectorized pressure the second sheet blank, means for exerting a lateral and sectorized pressure on the edges to be welded of the sheet blanks, and a welding unit employing a laser beam movable along the joint plane of the sheet blanks 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 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: 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: An apparatus for reducing a gap between an end of a rail section and an adjacent end of a longitudinally succeeding rail section of a rail fastened to ties by fastening elements by tensioning or longitudinally extending the rail section comprises two longitudinally spaced beams extending transversely to the track rails, a pair of clamping members mounted on each transverse beam for pivoting about parallel vertical axes at respective sides of the rail sections of the rail and having cooperating clamping jaws for engaging the rail sections between the clamping members upon pivoting thereof, the pairs of clamping members being longitudinally spaced from each other, hydraulic drives interconnecting the clamping members at each side of the rail sections of the rail, and a rail centering mechanism affixed to each transverse beam in the range of each pair of clamping members, each rail centering mechanism comprising at least two independently operable hydraulic cylinders carrying rams adapted to be pressed against a

Abstract: A body welding station receives a succession of differing body component parts in order to weld such component parts into an integrated body structure of differing styles. A fixture frame has clamping and locating fixtures mounted thereon by disconnectable fixture holding devices which permit the individual and selective removal of certain of the fixtures from the fixture frame and permit the mounting of different fixtures thereon for the subsequent clamping and locating of body components for a body structure of different style. A fixture changing station is located remote from the welding station and has associated fixture storage apparatus storing additional fixtures therein. A transport apparatus moves the fixture frame between the welding station and the fixture changing station.

Abstract: A blade bonding device permits individual blades to be bonded to a blade stub for the purpose of replacing a damaged blade. The device includes a clamp frame and hydraulic ram. A blade holder arranged in contact with the axially moveable ram shaft is guided by a precision slot and pin arrangement from the frame. The clamp engages the inner surfaces of the rim of the rotor disk, and has a cooling passage through this location near the rim. The advantages of the clamp and cooling means are to not mechanically or thermally stress the disk.

Abstract: A clamping device for holding cylindrical workpieces having a nominal radius R which varies from a minimum of (R-A) to a maximum of (R+B), where A and B are the limits of the tolerance range for the nominal radius, includes opposed clamp halves each having a clamp face adapted to be moved toward and away from one another and each of the clamp halves carrying a rigid collet element adapted to engage on opposite sides of cylindrical workpieces when the clamp halves are moved toward one another. Each of the collet elements has a semi-cylindrical clamping surface extending inwardly from the clamp face of the respective clamp half. Each semi-cylindrical clamping surface has a radius substantially equal to (R+B) with the center of the radius being offset outwardly of the clamp face of the respective clamp half an amount at least equal to (A+B). Preferably, the center of the radius is offset an amount at least equal to (A+B+C), where C is the tolerance deviation permitted to the radius (R+C).

Abstract: A device for radial machining and welding of a tubular body, said device comprising a tool support which can be placed around the tubular body and including four rollers assuring its guiding in rotation. The support comprises a main body of relatively massive shape which can receive, in its central part, a machining tool or welding tool, and to which are fastened two guide rollers. The guide rollers are placed on both sides of the axis of symmetry of the tool support. Two guide carriages are provided, on each of which guide carriage is mounted a guide roller, and means are provided to modify the position of the guide carriages in relation to the body as a function of the diameter of the tubular body.

Abstract: A clamping device for holding cylindrical workpieces having a nominal radius R which varies from a minimum of (R-A) to a maximum of (R+B), where A and B are the limits of the tolerance range for the nominal radius. The clamping device includes opposed clamp halves each having a clamp face adapted to be moved toward and away from one another and each of the clamp halves carrying a rigid collet element adapted to engage on opposite sides of cylindrical workpieces when the clamp halves are moved toward one another. According to the disclosure, each of the collet elements has a semi-cylindrical clamping surface extending inwardly from the clamp face of the respective clamp half. Each semi-cylindrical clamping surface has a radius substantially equal to R+B) with the center of the radius being offset outwardly of the clamp face of the respective clamp half an amount at least equal to (A+B).

Abstract: Encapsulated optical fibres (FIG. 1A), for e.g. a submarine cable have their encapsulation removed by high velocity hot air blowers (6,7), leave free the acrylate coated fibres for splicing/jointing. An automated equipment moves the blowers progressively along the fibres to free between 0.75 and two meters.

Abstract: A clamp for laser welding operations includes a solid member having at least one aperture extending completely therethrough. A portion of the solid member surrounds the entire periphery of the aperture. A connector is attached to the solid member for connecting the solid member to a moving device which moves the solid member between unclamping and clamping positions. The solid member, when in the clamping position, engages a stack of metal sheets under pressure and urges the metal sheets together against an underlying backup into continuous contact along the length of a weld site defined by the peripheral extent of the aperture in the solid member.

Abstract: A method, for butt-welding steel strips using a laser beam are disclosed, in which opposite ends of preceding and succeeding steel strips fed continuously are cut and the cut end edges thus formed are welded by butt welding using a laser. The cutting and butting at the time of welding are effected with one edge of the preceding steel strips adjacent to the opposite ends of the succeeding steel strips aligned to be parallel with the center line of travel of the continuous processing line. When effecting the alignment, the preceding or succeeding steel strip is attracted by an electromagnetic chuck on a work table in the continuous processing line and is pulled by the chuck toward a reference block provided with an alignment edge parallel to the center line of travel of the processing line to bring the edge of the sheet into contact with the reference block. The alignment is done in this state.

Abstract: A welding fixture for holding a plurality of long component members that are welded along their lengths into an elongate product, having at least three stationary clamps disposed in spaced-apart relation with each other along the long component members, and at least three movable clamps disposed opposite to the stationary clamps, respectively, and cooperating the stationary clamps to clamp the component members in opposite clamping directions toward each other substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the component members. The fixture includes a pivot base disposed pivotally in a plane parallel to the clamping directions, and supporting at least one of the stationary clamps. The pivot base is supported by a supporting device pivotally about a pivot axis which is located on the component members clamped by the movable and stationary clamps.

Abstract: A process for the butt-welding of especially deep-drawable steel sheets or steel strips galvanized at least on one side, in which the welding seam is protected against corrosion. To obtain a welding seam flush with the sheet and protected against corrosion, without the reworking of the welding seam and without the use of filler material, sheets or strips having essentially rectangular cut edges with a corrosion in the longitudinal direction of at most 0.4 mm are used. The sheets and strips brought into touch contact with these cut edges are melted in the region of the welding joint by means of a laser beam, of which the focal spot covering the cut edges has a diameter of at most 0.2 mm. Because of the extremely narrow welding gap, the voids are filled by the molten material of the adjacent sheets, without any detectable reduction in the thickness of the sheets or strips.

Abstract: A welding gun of an arc welding machine is mounted for vertical reciprocal movement on a movable frame portion. The movable frame portion is connected to a stationary frame portion by piston cylinder assemblies which upon actuation raise and lower the movable frame portion into an out of position for locating the welding gun in position for welding together a pair of longitudinal sheet metal member edges positioned in a preselected relationship on the stationary frame portion. A pair of clamp plates are carried by the movable frame portion. When the movable frame portion is lowered the clamp plates are positioned oppositely of the pair of sheet member edges respectively to move into and out of clamping engagement with the sheet member edges. Once the sheet member edges are clamped in abutting relationship, the welding gun is advanced downwardly on the frame movable portion in a vertical linear path.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting wiring patterns on a wiring board and leads of a parts to be mounted on the wiring board, via the solder provided between the leads and the patterns. The parts-connecting apparatus enables, especially, circuit elements of a high degree of, to be connected automatically with high reliability and accuracy by using solder through the steps of setting the wiring board in a predetermined position while pressing a surface thereof so as to remove the warp from the wiring board, fastening the leads of the part to the wiring patterns by a magnet provided on the lower surface of the wiring board, and heating the solder provided on the portions of the leads which are fastened to the wiring patterns.

Abstract: A device supports a weldolet on a pipe with a passage through the weldolet in aligned relationship with an opening in the pipe in order that the weldolet and pipe may be joined by welding or the like. The device is adjustable to accommodate weldolets and pipes of various different sizes.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a mechanical hand assembly suspended from a support assembly rotatably mounted on a movable base. The hand assembly includes a first pair of mechanical hands connected to a hydraulic cylinder and a second mechanical hand coaxially movable relative to the first mechanical hand. Each mechanical hand functions as an electrode during welding, and comprises a movable gripping member pivoted relative to a fixed gripping member by a hydraulic actuator. The support assembly comprises an elongated, counterbalanced beam which is length-adjustable relative to a rotatable support pedestal mounted on a movable base, and may include a pulley and cable supporting the hand assembly to provide adjustment in the vertical position of the handling assembly. The hydraulic system includes controls to effect grasping by the mechanical hands of the elements to be welded and coaxial longitudinal movement of the hands to bring together the elements for joining.

Abstract: In having a method of welding together metal components (A,B) a high restraint geometry (as defined in the Specification) the components are urged into abutment and a high energy density weld is effected at a location in said abutment by means such as a focussed laser beam (L). In order to compensate for the high restraint geometry of the components which prevents them from deformation such as to accommodate welding stresses, an additional force (J) is applied, for example by a roller (K), to urge the components together adjacent to the position at which the weld is effected. The method is advantageously employed to form a continuous elongate weld between a plateform and web of a brake shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of welding a diaphragm to the housing sections of a diaphragm-controlled device. The diaphragm and housings are first clamped together to provide a component of force perpendicular to the areas or seat of the housing which hold the diaphragm. An electron beam directed at, above, and below the sandwich edge of the housing and diaphragm causes a weld to be formed in a portion of the seat. The clamping pressure and expansion of the liquified metal forces part of the metal out of the sandwiched area such that, upon cooling, the housings are brought together against the diaphragm in a secure and pressure-tight weld. In order to weld in a vacuum chamber, it is necessary to remove the gases in the chamber. Diaphragm devices are characterized by the housing having a cavity therein and the diaphragm dividing the cavity into two chambers. Gas evacuation and re-introduction must be controlled to avoid unwanted diaphragm distortion.

Abstract: A test assembly for determining the weldability of sheet metal includes (1) a base having a flat side surface with an annular groove in the side surface, a counterbore being formed in the outer wall of the groove and the surface portion of the base circumscribed by the inner wall of the groove being substantially coplanar with the bottom of the counterbore, (2) a test disk of sheet metal the periphery of which is positioned in the counterbore and the outer surface of which is coplanar with one side of the base, and (3) a clamp ring overlying the side surface of the base and the edge portion of the test disk and a plurality of clamp screws which extend through the clamp ring for holding the periphery of the test disk against the bottom of the counterbore.

Abstract: In a resistance welding apparatus of a detachable grip type an improvement consists in that each pipe grip has a bracket (16) whereon two double-arm levers (18), one per side member (3), are pivoted. Similar arms of each lever (18) are interconnected by an extension spring (19), while the other arms are operatively associated with swinging jaws (14) adapted to abut against the pipe surface in their operating position. Each side member (3) is provided with a stop (21) for limiting the movement of the levers (18) relative the corresponding side member (3) in the direction of the action of the extension spring (19).

Abstract: A machine for working workpieces with a round outer contour by cutting has a coordinate table arranged to displace a workpiece in x-direction and y-direction and having a clamping guide extending in x-direction, a cutting device acting substantially in z-direction, and moving in a predetermined movement region, and clamping arrangement arranged to releasably hold the workpiece on the coordinate table and including a central clamping device arranged on the clamping guide, aligned with the axis of symmetry extending through the center axis of the workpiece, and having clamping elements mounted displaceable in the direction of the axis of symmetry, also including two lateral clamping devices displaceably arranged on the clamping guide, located at opposite sides of the central clamping device, and each having clamping elements which are mounted pivotally about at least one pivot axis extending substantially normal to the workpiece plane and parallel to the z-axis so that the clamping elements can move from a rele

Abstract: An arc spot welding equipment wherein a hand having a positioning and clamping device for a work and a welding torch is attached to an arm of an industrial robot. The small work is clamped in a predetermined positional relation to the welding torch and is moved by the arm of the robot to an object to which said work is to be welded, thereby realizing an automatic positioning of the work to the object and eliminating the need to prepare a large-scale jig for positioning and clamping work to reduce the cost of the equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a continuous railroad track including a mobile welding plant which is comprised of, for example, a string of flat cars for transporting a number of already formed continuous rails, another flat car or the like carrying means such as a winch and other related apparatus for delivering the individual continuous rails to the mobile welding plant, and another flat car or the like transporting a puller or pusher apparatus for controlling the movement of the continuous track which is formed, in and from the mobile welding plant.

Abstract: An automatic welding apparatus for welding plate-like welding workpieces is provided wherein a weld line of the plate-like welding workpieces is detected, while a compressive force is being applied on the workpieces, by a detecting means which is adapted to be moved along the weld line, and a welding torch is moved in accordance with the results of the detection to carry out automatic welding of the workpieces.

Abstract: Welding apparatus for a motorcar body comprising a pair of welding jig units positioned on opposing sides of a combining station which are movable laterally for positioning and holding thereon side panels of the body and a carrier movable between the combining station and a setting station for positioning and holding thereon the floor panel and the roof panel of the motorcar body. The structures of the carrier and the welding jig units are disclosed. Each welding jig unit can be turnable between an inwardly facing position and an outwardly facing one.

Abstract: An orbiting welding head for welding tubing and the like together. A U-shaped tube clamp unit has a pair of jaws in which two tubing sections to be welded together are held with the edges of such tubing sections in abutment against each other. A welder unit is incorporated in a cassette having a housing with an electrically non-conductive outer wall portion. This cassette is inserted into the U-shaped tube clamp and removably joined thereto by means of a locking ring. The welder unit has a welding electrode which protrudes from a horseshoe shaped rotatable electrode drive member. This drive member has a ball bearing support which comprises a plurality of ball members which protrude from the rotatable drive member at the opposite side faces thereof and which ride in respective grooved races formed in the main body of the cassette. The drive member is rotatably driven by means of a motor driven gear train.

Abstract: A second workpiece component, such as a rectangular frame member, is positioned on a first workpiece component, such as the end of a rectangular duct. The first workpiece component is engaged by a clamp member secured to a frame so that the first workpiece component remains fixed relative to the frame. A positioning device, which is secured to a securing device such as a spot welder, is moved into abutting relation with the second workpiece component. The positioning device moves the second workpiece component to a preselected location on the first workpiece component while the securing device moves to a preselected location in overlying and underlying relation with the first and second workpiece components. In this position, the second workpiece component is secured to the first workpiece component at a preselected location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a plurality of arc-spot welds in a predetermined pattern is disclosed. A plurality of welding torches are mounted upon a carriage which is longitudinally movable relative to a work piece. The work piece is supported by work piece supports which are vertically movable to allow exit of a completed work piece and insertion of a new work piece. A clamping assembly mounted above the work piece supports is movable toward the work piece to engage the work piece to hold it in place for welding, and is movable away from the work piece to allow exit of a completed work piece. The carriage is provided with a control which stops the carriage whereby the torches will be located at positions above the work piece corresponding to the desired pattern of arc-spot welds. The control preferably comprises a cam connected to the carriage which follows a track located on the frame which defines the welding pattern.

Abstract: A method of welding several optical fibers end to end in layers in a common welding plane. Each fiber (31) includes a bared portion and a covered portion. The method is applied by a device including:(a) a microplasma welding torch (40) with a vertical axis movable in said weld plane;(b) a supporting block (39) with: parallel positioning grooves for positioning the bared portions of the fibers; an opening (42) in the neighborhood of the weld plane; and a chamber (43) for slowing down the gases of the plasma disposed below said opening and connected thereto; and(c) components for gripping the covered portions of the fibers said gripping components being constituted by supports (11, 12) provided with parallel optical fiber positioning grooves. A positive pressure difference is set up between the upper portion and the lower portion of the fibers. The fibers are translated parallel to the axes of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding a header to a heat sensitive cap to form an electro-optic device housing without weld flanges. A collet electrode is used to provide a radially compressive force which provides good electric and thermal contact to the wall of the heat sensitive cap and maintains the glass to metal seal under compression.

Abstract: A machine for welding screens formed of spaced longitudinal screen wires welded at a welding station to spaced transverse rods, in which the transverse rods in succession are clamped and welded to the screen wires at the welding station, the screen wires are incrementally fed to and through the welding station and in advance of the welding station are engageable by a spacer for predetermining the lateral spacing therebetween, a platen supports and backs the screen wires against forces exerted thereon by the spacer and in clamping a transverse rod thereto, and laterally spaced and tilted slots in confronting end surfaces of the spacer and platen slidably receive and guide the screen wires for enabling the screen wires to be correspondingly tilted longitudinally of the transverse rods when welded thereto.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning and securing apparatus includes a fixed frame for slidably supporting a welding machine into and out of a preselected position relative to a pair of workpiece components to be welded together. A first workpiece component is fixed by a clamping device on the frame. A second workpiece component is supported by a positioning member that is movable with the welding machine into a predetermined position relative to the first workpiece component. A pair of piston cylinders actuate the clamping device to fixedly engage the first workpiece component. A second pair of piston cylinders on the frame are operable to simultaneously move the welding machine and the second workpiece component into a preselected position relative to the first workpiece component.

Abstract: A pipe resistance butt welding apparatus comprises a movable clamp and a fixed clamp to locate the pipes to be welded. Current-feeding shoes contact the ends of the pipes to be welded together. A device is provided for axially moving the movable clamp in fusing and upsetting the pipes. Both clamps and the device are mounted on an elongated supporting member. The shoes are carried by beams oriented along the supporting member and having bevels acted upon by drive rollers, whose axes are directed across the supporting member. The invention is useful for welding large diameter pipes.

Abstract: A welding apparatus including, generally, a vertical clamping assembly having an upper and a lower clamping assembly for each of two rail sections to be welded together. These vertical clamping assemblies clamp and vertically align the running surfaces of the two rail sections, by establishing the running surfaces at a pre-determined stop level. The welding apparatus also includes a horizontal centering and aligning apparatus which has a first pair of clamping arms which engage the rail base and pre-center the rail sections with respect to one another and to the welding apparatus. The apparatus also includes a pair of spaced apart clamping arms associated with each of the rail sections which are operable to both laterally clamp the rail heads of the respective rail sections and to horizontally or laterally align the rail sections with respect to one another. Once aligned, the ends of the rail sections are welded together.

Abstract: A device for welding two metallic hollow bodies together in end-to-end connection by means of an electric arc moved by the effect of an external magnetic field along the welding joint, comprises, clamping means engaged with the bodies to clamp them in end-to-end relationship with the respective ends to be joined disposed closely adjacent. In addition, a magnetic coil is disposed within at least one of the bodies or it is advantageously located with a pole piece disposed in the gap between the two bodies and overlapping each of the bodies so as to produce a magnetic field in the vicinity of the ends to be joined. The pole shoe of the magnet advantageously comprises a pole piece which is conformable to the dimensions of the shape of the welded joint.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube with surface-enlarging elements attached to the inside thereof, which elements are in the form of radially inwardly directed pins welded on the tube wall. A method and apparatus for forming such a tube are also provided, the apparatus comprising a holder for each pin which is movable both longitudinally and radially of the tube.

Abstract: A light-gauge metal container has a closure flange fixed to a container wall, to which a closure plug is detachably screwed. An inwardly projecting cylindrical neck is fastened to the edge of a closure flange receiving opening made in the container wall. The closure flange is inserted in the opening so that the inward ends of the flange and neck flushed with each other, with an annular face formed by the flushed flange and neck ends circularly edge-welded. In manufacturing the container, the closure flange is press-fitted in the receiving opening, with the annular face held in the horizontal position. The assembly is transferred to welding apparatus, and positioned roughly first, then exactly by mating the flange opening with a vertical reference shaft on the welding apparatus. The annular face is edge-welded by rotating a welding torch about the axis of the reference shaft.

Abstract: Non-continuous forms are welded on an automatic device using a continuous welding process (e.g., Tungsten Inert Gas Process (TIG) with a continuous welding arc. The noise level of the welding system is below that which is prescribed by the Operational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The device includes apparatus for indexing and positioning the non-continuous forms relative to the welding electrode. The device further includes apparatus for chilling the non-continuous forms during the welding process, and apparatus for periodically shunting the welding arc away from the non-continuous forms so as to maintain a continuous welding arc.