The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 19, 1990
Filed:
Nov. 14, 1988
Thomas A Ward, Holts Summit, MO (US);
ABB Power T&D Company Inc., Blue Bell, PA (US);
Abstract
Automatic metal inert-gas-shielded arc welding of such apparatus as large transformer casings with stainless steel welding filler wire fed to the work through a torch from a spool. A series of seam welds are produced on each casing. The torch and spool are mounted on a movable arm of an electrically operated robot. The robot has sensing means responsive to electrical conduction through the work and the wire to position the wire in the correct location for producing each weld. The tip of the wire is oxidized during each weld of the series precluding the electrical conduction necessary to locate the wire for the next weld of the series. In accordance with the disclosure, there is provided a wire cutter displaced from work. After each weld, the robot arm positions the wire in the cutter. This positioning of the wire automatically triggers a proximity switch which actuates a high speed rotary grinder to sever the oxidized tip of the wire. The grinder moves at right angles to the wire cutting the wire squarely so that there is no bend in the resulting end of the wire to militate against accurate location by the sensor for the next weld. The grinder is composed of electrically insulating material and is mounted on an insulated fixture so that it does not shut off the robot by grounding.