Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drilling device for machining tubes in tube sheets of heat exchangers in a radioactive environment. A retaining plate is clampable in the tubes with at least two retaining fingers on a first side and a first drive, which drives a tool shaft, is arranged on a second side. A tool chuck on a first end side of the tool shaft is connected detachably to the latter, wherein a forward feed of the tool shaft is brought about by a feed device. In addition, the tool chuck is unlockable from the tool shaft by way of an unlocking instrument and the unlocking instrument is controllable by a remote-control device.

Abstract: A plate is continuously press-bent, into a shaped member having a recess opening at one surface (i.e., lower surface). Then, the plate is bent back by pressing, at the front and rear ends, covering the openings of the recess and a side frame having open cross sections, each with a gap, is thereby formed. In the forming step, the side frame is not welded and has open cross sections, each with a gap. The side frames are then subjected to the next step (i.e., step of assembling the seat frame). In the step of assembling the seat frame, the side frames and coupling members are welded together, constituting a substantially rectangular seat frame. As the side frames are so welded in step of assembling the seat frame, a rigid structure each having closed cross sections with no gaps is formed.

Abstract: A low thermal conductivity material layer covers a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the conductive plate of a chip bonder head. The center portion of the conductive plate is exposed or covered with another conductive plate laterally surrounded by the low thermal conductivity material layer. During bonding, the chip bonder head holds a first substrate upside down and heats the first substrate through the conductive plate. Heating of a fillet, i.e., the laterally extruding portion, of a pre-applied underfill material is reduced because the temperature at the exposed surfaces of the low thermal conductivity material layer is lower than the temperature at the bottom surface of the conductive plate. The longer curing time and the more uniform shape of the fillet in the bonded structure enhance the structural reliability of the bonded substrates.

Abstract: A welding crane (1) for welding large structures is described. The welding crane (1) comprises a base part (2) which is arranged to be positioned on a ground (3), a mast (4) with a longitudinal axis (5). The mast (4) can be arranged in at least a first position in which the longitudinal axis (5) of the mast (4) extends substantially vertically from the base part (2). A boom (6) with a longitudinal axis (7) is arranged on the mast. The boom (6) can be arranged in at least a first position in which the longitudinal axis (7) of the boom (6) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) of the mast (4). The boom (6) is arranged for receiving a welding head (13). The boom (6) is rotatable in relation to the mast (4) such that the boom (6) can be arranged in a second position in which the longitudinal axis (7) of the boom (6) is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis (5) of the mast (4).

Abstract: A multi-station, gantry-based automated welding system includes a gantry mounting robotic arc welders or other equipment. The gantry has a range of travel over multiple workstations, each workstation being adapted for rotatably mounting a respective workpiece on a headstock assembly and a tailstock assembly, which define a workpiece or weldment rotational axis extending therebetween. The tailstock assembly can be located at different positions within a workstation for accommodating different lengths of workpieces. Encoders are installed at the moving elements of the system for precisely tracking and providing output to the computer controller. Primary and secondary power/data distribution systems include cable and hose carriers for providing mobile power/data connections to the gantry and also to the robotic arc welders mounted thereon. The power/data distribution systems are elevated above a facility floor to avoid interfering with equipment, personnel and activities at floor level.

Abstract: A multi-station, gantry-based automated welding system includes a gantry mounting robotic arc welders or other equipment. The gantry has a range of travel over multiple workstations, each workstation being adapted for rotatably mounting a respective workpiece on a headstock assembly and a tailstock assembly, which define a workpiece or weldment rotational axis extending therebetween. The tailstock assembly can be located at different positions within a workstation for accommodating different lengths of workpieces. Encoders are installed at the moving elements of the system for precisely tracking and providing output to the computer controller. Primary and secondary power/data distribution systems include cable and hose carriers for providing mobile power/data connections to the gantry and also to the robotic arc welders mounted thereon. The power/data distribution systems are elevated above a facility floor to avoid interfering with equipment, personnel and activities at floor level.

Abstract: A suggested welding crane for welding of objects comprises an arm, a stand and a welding head. The arm includes at least a first and a second segment, which are arranged with their length axes essentially parallelly and are telescopically movable along their length axes in relation to each other so that at least a first segment of said segments at least partly slides into at least a second segment of said segments. The welding head is arranged in a distal end of an outermost segment of the arm while an innermost segment of the arm is suspended in the stand. A linear guide is arranged on at least a first segment of said segments. A co-operating part of said at least one linear guide is arranged on at least a second segment of said segments, wherein the at least one linear guide is adapted to provide said telescopic movement.

Abstract: A multi-station, gantry-based automated welding system includes a gantry mounting robotic arc welders or other equipment. The gantry has a range of travel over multiple workstations, each workstation being adapted for rotatably mounting a respective workpiece. A control system controls and coordinates the movements and operation of the gantry, the robotic arc welders and the workpiece-rotating motors located at the workstations. Encoders are installed at the moving elements of the system for precisely tracking and providing output to the computer controller. Primary and secondary power/data distribution systems include cable and hose carriers for providing mobile power/data connections to the gantry and also to the robotic arc welders mounted thereon. The power/data distribution systems are elevated above a facility floor to avoid interfering with equipment, personnel and activities at floor level.

Abstract: A low thermal conductivity material layer covers a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the conductive plate of a chip bonder head. The center portion of the conductive plate is exposed or covered with another conductive plate laterally surrounded by the low thermal conductivity material layer. During bonding, the chip bonder head holds a first substrate upside down and heats the first substrate through the conductive plate. Heating of a fillet, i.e., the laterally extruding portion, of a pre-applied underfill material is reduced because the temperature at the exposed surfaces of the low thermal conductivity material layer is lower than the temperature at the bottom surface of the conductive plate. The longer curing time and the more uniform shape of the fillet in the bonded structure enhance the structural reliability of the bonded substrates.

Abstract: Embodiments of tool mounted structural positioning devices and techniques are described. In one embodiment, a positioning device includes mountings to mount the device directly to a tool device configured to travel a path and perform a manufacturing operation on an element. Engagement mechanisms coupled to the positioning device are aligned to the predefined path and are configured to exert a clamping force upon the element such that the element is secured and positioned by the positioning device in constant relation to the predefined path as the operations are performed.

Abstract: A coil assembly configured to provide motion of a bonding tool of a wire bonding machine along a substantially vertical axis is provided. The coil assembly includes a first coil portion having a first force constant, the first coil portion being configured to receive energy to provide a first motion of the bonding tool. The coil assembly also includes a second coil portion having a second force constant, the second coil portion being configured to receive energy to provide a second motion of the bonding tool, the second force constant being different from the first force constant.

Abstract: A method of welding workpieces of high-temperature superalloys is provided. Welding filler is applied in a plurality of layers to a surface of the workpiece via a heat input zone and a supply zone for supplying the welding filler into the heat input zone. The heat input zone and the supply zone on the one hand and the workpiece surface on the other hand are moved in relation to one another. A polycrystalline weld seam is generated by remelting a previously applied layer of the plurality of layers. Welding parameters are chosen such that a cooling rate during a solidifying of the material is at least 8000 Kelvins per second. Further, a welding apparatus for carrying out such a method is provided.

Abstract: A flexible semiconductor package apparatus having a responsive bendable conductive wire member is presented. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, semiconductor chips, and conductive wires. The semiconductor chips are disposed on the flexible substrate and spaced apart from each other on the flexible substrate. Each semiconductor chip has bonding pads. The conductive wires are electrically connected to the bonding pads of the semiconductor chip. Each conductive wire has at least one elastic portion. One preferred configuration is that part of the conductive wire is wound to form a coil spring shape so that the coil spring shape of the conductive wire aid in preventing the conductive wire from being separated from the corresponding bonding pad of the semiconductor chip when the flexible substrate on which the semiconductor chips are mounted are bent, expanded or twisted.

Abstract: An apparatus for bearing a tool against a workpiece includes: (a) a pneumatically driven motor unit rotating a drive shaft substantially about a longitudinal drive axis; (b) a process shaft coupled with the drive shaft for rotating the tool substantially about a longitudinal process axis; (c) a flywheel coupled with one shaft of the drive shaft and the process shaft; and (d) at least one urging unit coupled with at least one of the motor unit and the process shaft. The urging unit moves the tool with respect to the workpiece. The flywheel and the one shaft impart inertial rotational energy to the tool after the pneumatic motor achieves a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A conductive ball mounting apparatus and method for holding a conductive ball on the holding face, as has a suction port formed therein, of a holder head thereby to mount the held conductive ball, while interposing a flux therein, on a workpiece. After the end of the mounting action and before a next conductive ball is held, flux removing means for removing the flux adhered to the holding face is brought into abutment against the holding face of the holder head thereby to remove the flux from holding face.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus including, on a supporting stand 12, two linear motors 130 and 140 and a bonding head supporting stage 114 which supports the bonding head 120 by means of fluid pressure so that the bonding head 120 is movable in the horizontal plane. The linear motors 130 and 140 respectively include driving sections 132 and 142 and movable coil assemblies 134 and 144. An arm 136 extending from the movable coil assembly 134 of the first linear motor 130 is fastened to the bonding head 120, and an arm 146 extending from the movable coil assembly 144 of the second linear motor 140 is engaged with the bonding head 120. A driving force aimed at the center of gravity of the bonding head 120 is applied to the bonding head 120 via the arms 136 and 146, so that the bonding head 120 is moved.

Abstract: A semiconductor die having multiple solder bumps, each having a diameter less than about 100 microns, and the method for making such a die are described. The pitch between the solder bumps is less than 100 microns. A thermal solder jet apparatus is utilized to deposit solder material to form the solder bumps. The apparatus includes a print head having a plurality of solder ejection ports. Each ejection port has an associated gas ejection conduit connected to a chamber containing one or more hydride films for producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is utilized to force the ejection of the solder material from the ejection port. A controller controls and choreographs the movements of the movable substrate and movable drive so as to accurately deposit material in desired locations on the semiconductor dies.

Abstract: A method and guidance system for accurately positioning a welding torch relative to a desired weld path. The method and system are based on ultrasonic sensing of information relating to the distance between the welding torch and surfaces on one or more components being welded, and then using this information to move the welding torch to a specific point in space relative to the desired weld path. The method and system maintain the welding torch over the weld path and at a predetermined distance from the weld path during movement of the torch along the weld path.

Abstract: A new solder bath apparatus applied to the soldering furnace is disclosed herein. The solder bath is used for containing molten solder. And a nozzle base is located in the solder bath to flow molten solder upwards. An enclosing frame with axial horizontal pillars mounted on the two terminal sidewalls thereof is put around the nozzle base. Besides, a nozzle manufactured with two bearing pedestals on two terminal sidewalls responsive to the pillars is put around the enclosing frame. Thus, the nozzle can rotate about the axial pillars for adjusting the outlet direction thereof.

Abstract: A stroke and pressure adjusting device is used for the soldering process of a soldering machine which has a driving device for driving a soldering device of the soldering machine to solder, and the driving device has a driving shaft on which the stroke and pressure adjusting device is attached. The stroke and pressure adjusting device comprises a thread sleeve mounted on the driving shaft of the driving device, a slider mounted on the thread sleeve, and a spring mounted between the slider and the driving device, wherein the distance between the thread sleeve and the driving device is adjustable so as to adjust the stroke of the driving device, the distance between the slider and the driving device is adjustable and the distance between the slider and the driving device is adjustable so as to adjust the elastic force generated by the spring, thereby adjusting the operating pressure of the driving device.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus assembling a body side of an automotive vehicle, comprises: a moving body provided in a transfer line; a clamp member provided on the moving body for fixing and positioning a body side outer in an upright position in such a manner that a roof rail end of the body side outer is an upper portion and the side sill end of the body side outer is a lower portion; and a welding robot disposed in a side of the transfer line, the welding robot assembling the body side by welding the body side outer positioned by the clamp member.

Abstract: A method for welding horizontal pipe along the inner diameter of the pipe and outer diameter of the pipe to prevent weld root defects on the bottom half of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing curved surfaces, in particular a pipe surface, using processing means which are guided over that surface at a distance thereabove by means of a guide to be pre-arranged on that surface, wherein the guide consists of a flexible body provided with two parallel edges witch extend some distance above the surface for processing, and a carrier for the processing means is provided with a follower system consisting of at least three follower members which are ordered in a triangle and which co-act with the edges, this such that the carrier follows the curved surface at a fixed distance during movement along the guide, whereby processing of the surface can be performed under uniform conditions which enhances precision and therefore quality.

Abstract: Process, apparatus and nozzle device are available for controlling the soldering/and or desoldering of a land grid array (LGA) component and corresponding circuit grid present in the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). The nozzle device comprises a vacuum cup for supporting the LGA parallel to the PCB, with the LGA and the circuit grids in contact or slightly spaced, a device for directing a continuous flow of an inert hot gas, such as nitrogen, from a gas source against the upper surface of a dielectric body of a component to conduct heat therethrough to melt an underlying LGA, vents for venting the major volume of the hot gas, adjacent the upper surface of the body of the component, and one or more vertical passages for directing a minor volume of the total gas flow from the upper surface of the component around the edges, under and horizontally through the array into a discharge chamber, and out a gas outlet.

Abstract: A laser welder is provided comprising a housing, an optical fiber, a wheel mounted within the housing and including a slot for receiving an article to be welded, the optical fiber mounted to and wound upon the wheel as the wheel is rotated to bring the fiber around the article, a sleeve for sealing to the article to establish a chamber surrounding the weld zone, the sleeve having a curved window for transmitting the laser light from the fiber to the weld zone, and a clip for removeably mounting the sleeve within the housing coaxial with the wheel. In another aspect, the invention provides the sealing sleeve for use in laser welding. The sleeve preferably includes a ring deformable with heat to clamp the sleeve to the article and center the article along an axis of the sleeve. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of welding articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for performance of cutting and welding operations includes an enclosure which encloses a drive motor and which supports a drive wheel and an idler wheel for driving the enclosure along a track. A first support rod projects from the enclosure and a second support rod is adjustably mounted on the first support rod. A torch for cutting and welding is adjustably mounted on the second support rod and a variety of linear and curved tracks are provided, thereby facilitating performances of cutting and welding operations on a range of workpiece configurations.

Abstract: A conformed control knob (23) is mounted to a manipulating lever (22) of an apparatus (20) having an arm (21) to be operably controlled by the manipulating lever (22). Through manual manipulation of the control knob (23), the arm (21) can be controlled for proportional precision movement. The control knob (23) includes an upwardly facing substantially planar support surface (25) formed for supporting at least one fingertip (26) of an operator's hand thereon, and includes a recess (27) formed therein to receive the fingertip (26). The support surface (26) is sufficiently cupped and the manipulating lever (22) is sufficiently biased upwardly toward the fingertip (26) to transmit both lateral and vertical movement of the operator's hand to the manipulating lever (22) for fingertip control thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a welding nozzle position manipulator. The manipulator consists of an angle support to which the remaining components of the device are attached either directly or indirectly. A pair of pivotal connections attach a weld nozzle holding link to the angle support and provide a two axis freedom of movement of the holding link with respect to the support angle. The manipulator is actuated by a pair of adjusting screws angularly mounted to the angle support. These screws contact a pair of tapered friction surfaces formed on the upper portion of the welding nozzle holding link. A spring positioned between the upper portions of the support angle and the holding link provides a constant bias engagement between the friction surfaces of the holding link and the adjustment screws, so as to firmly hold the link in position and to eliminate any free play in the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic welding apparatus and an automatic milling apparatus for machining welding grooves in order to weld a three-dimensional surface such as a ball tank or the like are disclosed. A welding wire spool is accommodated within a case and a cover to prevent the welding wire from being oxidized and from being contaminated with foreign materials. The automatic milling apparatus is installed to form welding grooves on the both sides of the objects to be welded, in the case where a welding is performed on a three-dimensional curved surface. A guide roller having a handle is installed to control the machining depth of the grooves, and an idling type nylon guide roller is installed in closed contact with the shaft of a cutter, thereby adjusting the distance between the rail and the groove, and adjusting the deviations of the depth of the grooves, which are caused by the machining inaccuracies due to the deviations of the three-dimensional curvature.

Abstract: A pair of sheetlike members are supported on a pair of support tables disposed on opposite sides of a movable splicing mechanism. The pair of sheets are advanced inwardly from opposite directions into a splicing position wherein the adjacent edge portions of the sheets overlap, and are suitably secured by side clamp mechanisms. The movable splicing mechanism is then linearly moved along the overlapping edges, and opposed weld rolls rollingly and clampingly engage the overlapping edges therebetween to effect welding thereof. A pair of planishing rolls rollingly and compressingly engage the seam weld and follow along behind the weld rolls to effect flattening of the seam weld. After the splicing mechanism moves along the entire length of the overlapping edges to create a mash seam weld between, a gripper mounted on the mechanism engages opposite sides of the sheet, and the mechanism then returns to its original position and simultaneously discharges the spliced sheet forwardly of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely placing and welding a patch over an underwater breach in the hull of a ship. The apparatus is lowered into position over the side of the ship by a winch and cable, then held against the ship's hull by electromagnets. The apparatus has a generally streamlined frame containing a chamber within which a patch plate is carried. Wheels are disposed on the frame to permit the frame to be driven along the hull and positioned over the breach. The patch plate is then moved into position against the hull and welded into place. Operation of the apparatus is viewed through video cameras and is remotely controlled by an operator on board the ship.

Abstract: A pipe welding apparatus which utilizes a pair of welding electrodes which are at least ninety degrees spaced apart relative to a cylindrical workpiece. The welding procedure only occurs during movement of each welding electrode from an upper position to a lower position.

Abstract: An automatic welding machine includes a welding torch attached to a torch transporting carriage clamped to a guide rail by at least one pair of opposed wheels in contact with opposite sides of the rail. A drive source, connected to an axle of one of the wheels drives the carriage along with rail. At least one of the wheels which roll the carriage along the rail is of elastic material, such as rubber or synthetic resin, having a high coefficient of friction to prevent unwanted movement of the carriage along the rail when the driving power from the drive source is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating plate web girders of the ind comprising two flanges spaced apart by a web. The apparatus comprises a plurality of welding devices each mounted on respective spaced apart guides to follow a respective portion of a welding path defined by the intersection of the web and a flange and an arrangement to move the girder longitudinally relative to the welding devices at a substantially constant rate. The guides bear against the web adjacent the respective welding paths and against the flange to maintain the welding devices at predetermined distances from the web and flange respectively. The apparatus can also include a member to follow the corrugations of a corrugated web and operate limit switching devices when the crests and troughs of each corrugation are encountered. The limit switches operate a modulating motor which adjusts the welding device to maintain the welding angle between the welding path and welding device substantially constant for each point along the path.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for butt weld joint of steel plates such as steel strips is assembled together with a grinding device, which is combined in one system. The grinding device is so arranged that grinding wheels of this system can be moved along the welded joint following just after the welding torch. The clamping dies for clamping the welding portion of the steel plates are divided sectionally provided with mechanisms for shifting the respective divided clamping dies between a first clamping position during welding and a second clamping position during grinding. The upper unit of the grinding device can be moved along a rail assembly for guiding the welding torch. The lower unit of the grinding device can be moved along a rail assembly for guiding the shearing machine.

Abstract: A jig for automatically welding pipe frames used to form vehicle seats is disclosed. In this jig, there is provided on a frame carrying plate a guide element having the reference plane of one of two side portions of a frame, so that the one side portion of the frame can be welded while it is in abutment with the guide element. To weld the other side portion of the frame, the frame carrying plate is moved and two adjusters provided in a bed plate are used for the reference. With such structure, while a welding machine remains fixed, by changing the references according to the portions to be welded in the width direction of the pipe frame, it is possible to weld the two side portions of the frame accurately.

Abstract: An integrated welding torch and work positioning roller head assembly is mounted for controlled movement on a cross travelling gantry carriage overlying a vacuum hold-down bed that supports a workpiece panel. The torch and roller head assembly has two related configurations, one for forming a butt weld along a seam joining edgewise abutting sections of flat stock to form a relatively larger unitary panel, and another head configuration for subsequently positioning and fillet welding stiffener webs to one face of the panel.

Abstract: A welding machine is disclosed which includes a wire supply device, a wire coil, a flexible wire guide connected between the wire supply device and a torch nozzle and a welding assembly alterable in more than one welding position and mounted on a wheeled platform. The axis or width center position of the wire coil and the axis of a supply roll in the wire supply device or a supply slot in the supply roll are placed above the center line on the overall width of the wheeled platform. Both handed welding is possible by switching the torch between the left handed side and right handed side of the wheeled platform.

Abstract: A welding torch is supported by a mount which can be oscillated about a vertical pivot that is carried by and movable with an up-down frame which is carried by and movable with a forward-rearward frame that is carried by and movable with a laterally-movable frame. As a result, that welding torch can be oscillated about a pivot which is movable vertically, forwardly and rearwardly and from side to side. A plurality of cams are mounted adjacent each other and act through linkages to provide any desired individual or combined oscillation, up-down, forward-rearward, or lateral movement of that welding torch.

Abstract: An arc welding system for welding the edges of an irregularly contoured product comprising facially opposed sections held in joined position wherein, in the embodiment illustrated, a pair of arc welding torches, having arc generating tips are supported in product straddling relationship on a carriage for welding travel along different irregularly contoured lengths of the perimetral marginal boundary of the product, and control mechanism is provided for simultaneously altering the position of each torch tip in a portion of its welding travel to maintain each torch tip axis substantially perpendicular to the path of travel.

Abstract: A welding robot having an elongated arm pivotally mounted on an upright turret which is movable about the upright axis thereof. As a result, the arm is swingable about the aforesaid upright axis. A fine movement control device or commuter is mounted on an end of the air remote from the aforesaid pivotal attachment thereof to the upright turret. The fine movement control device has a welding gun mounted thereon with structure being provided in the control device for permitting the welding gun to move through a very fine pattern of movement independent of the movement of the arm. A preprogram is provided for moving the arm in a predesignated direction to coincide with the path of a welding seam. Variations of the welding seam from the preprogram can be controlled by the structure in the fine movement control device so that the welding torch will follow the actual welding seam even if it varies from the preprogrammed path thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a frame disposable in spaced relationship about a pipe uses a ring mounted thereon for carrying a welding head around the pipe. A welding torch is provided on the head for movement into the welding area to form a weld about the pipe during rotation of the ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically welding corrugated membranes of a type in which a welding torch is mounted on a head attached to the welding apparatus proper by way of an arc gear segment and the arc gear segment is driven through a pinion gear, whereby the head is moved along the arc gear segment to control the position of the torch. The arc gear segment is driven for angular movement by a drive motor mounted in the welding apparatus proper, and the arc gear segment includes a pair of rotatable small wheels provided at the ends of the arc gear segment and a cord such as a chain or rope extended around the small wheels and along the arcuate teeth of the arc gear segment, the middle portion of the cord being securely attached to the head adapted to be movable along the arc gear segment, whereby when the arc gear segment is rotated, the head attached to the cord is simultaneously moved through an angle which is two times that of the arc gear segment.

Abstract: A welding machine can form continuous welds of three hundred and sixty degrees on workpieces which are rotated through angles of less than three hundred and sixty degrees by moving the welding torch of that welding machine in one direction circumferentially of those workpieces while those workpieces are being rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An automatic welding machine of a type, in which a welding torch is subjected to predetermined three-dimensional locus motions by means of three profile cams for controlling movement of the torch in the left-and-right, up-and-down, and front-and-back directions in accordance with predetermined programs set in the machine, the machine being constructed with (a) a driving section including a frame to support component members thereon, a shaft rotatably held on the frame, an electric motor axially fitted at one end of the shaft, a plurality of profile cams fixedly provided on the other end part of the shaft so as to be rotated therewith, the cams being arranged with an appropriate space interval between them, and cam follower members corresponding in number to the profile cams and intimately contacted with the cams to move in accordance with rotational movement of the cams; and (b) a driven section including a frame to support component members thereon, a plurality of movable members in the left-and-right, up-an

Abstract: A device for automatically welding a tube onto a pipe of larger diameter is the subject of the present invention. Tack welding is achieved by two welding torches located on opposite sides of the tube and spaced apart longitudinally a distance equal to the distance desired between tack welds. The entire torch assembly is mounted on a movable carriage that is motor driven. A frictional spool wheel engages the tube to drive the carriage while also serving as a guide wheel. Two cam wheels are also driven by the same motor that drives the carriage. One cam wheel controls operation of the welding torches on an intermittent basis. The second cam wheel controls the drive motor so that the latter is operated at a first speed during welding and a faster speed when welding in interrupted. This allows the device to traverse a given distance in less than half the time that would be required if the slower welding speed were maintained throughout the entire length of the tube.

Abstract: Welding apparatus is provided for moving a welding tool in a controlled path at a controlled speed relative to a workpiece to produce a uniform weld bead. The apparatus includes a base carrying a workpiece support and a drive and control housing located behind the workpiece support. A welding tool mounting member is located under the drive and control housing and extends toward and over the workpiece support. A driven member in the drive and control housing is connected through a slot therein with the welding tool mounting member. The mounting member is guided by the driven member for movement in a linear path toward and away from the workpiece support to move a welding tool carried thereby back and forth over the workpiece support. Drive means moves the driven member and causes the mounting member to travel at a controlled, constant rate of movement toward said housing and away from the workpiece support.

Abstract: A crop shearing and joining method and apparatus includes a manually operable crop shearing assembly for producing clean linear edges at the ends of respective strips, sheets or the like, and a joining assembly for welding or otherwise securing the ends of two different strips or sheets together. Also, a strip aligning and clamping assembly comprising two independently operable clamping devices utilizes one of the clamping devices to provide an alignment stop for aligning the end of one strip relative to the welding torch or the like in the joining assembly and then uses that aligned strip end to facilitate alignment of the strip end to be joined therewith. Moreover, the clamping devices provide substantially full backing support of the aligned strip ends during the joining operation.

Abstract: A subsea machine tool for preparing the end of a bare piece of pipe in a subsea location for receiving an overfitting coupling and includes a support assembly adapted for raising and lowering in a body of water. A pipe clamp is attached to each end of the support assembly for clamping the pipe. A split frame is supported by the support assembly for axial travel. A split ring gear assembly is supported by the frame for rotation therein and about the pipe section. The split ring gear is in the form of a spool assembly wherein an involute gear forms one flange of the spool and a face plate forms the other flange. The spool is supported about the exterior thereof by a split fixed ring which in turn is supported by the frame. The fixed ring has mounted thereon one or more hydraulic motors which are arranged for rotating the ring gear relative to the fixed ring. The face plate has mounted thereon for rotation therewith work means in the form of a milling machine.

Abstract: A novel system for assembling industrial or motive power batteries is described which basically comprises a conveyor surface, a plurality of stacking box means freely movable across said conveyor surface, tilt table means for engaging in tilting said stacking box, and a novel burning apparatus for forming battery straps on any of a plurality of different sized battery stacks formed within said stacking box means. Additionally, a novel automated burning apparatus is provided wherein a plurality of torches are adapted for a square movement across the terminal lugs of the battery stack, thereby facilitating the formation of battery straps and terminal posts on each of a plurality of battery stacks during a single operation. Utilization of the present system facilitates the efficient manufacture of industrial or motive power batteries of any of a number of different sizes.