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:
May. 07, 1991
Filed:
Jun. 29, 1990
Raymond D Gold, Waukee, IA (US);
Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for checking the alignment of a torch on a robotic welder to assure that the torch is in the proper position before an automatic welding operation commences or continues. An alignment verification device which includes a plunger with a contact area of relatively small diameter is positioned at the workstation. The projecting wire tip of the robotic torch is automatically moved axially toward the plunger, and, if alignment is within the desired range, the tip will contact and depress the plunger. Upon depression of the plunger, a cam-operated limit switch is closed to send a signal to the robot that alignment is acceptable. If the torch is out of alignment for any reason, or if the welding wire is bent or otherwise misaligned, the wire will miss the contact area and the welding operation will cease so that faulty welds are prevented.