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:
Mar. 26, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 16, 1999
Howard W. Ludewig, Groveland, IL (US);
Ilhan J. Varol, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
Surfaces of a weld seam are measured to determine weld seam characteristics such as weld seam profile, seam shape, misfit in a seam, seam gap, and surface irregularities. A desired weld bead profile is predicted based on the weld seam profile. Optimal welding parameters for the weld process are determined to achieve the desired weld bead profile. As the weld bead is applied along the weld seam, weld bead characteristics are measured to define the actual weld bead profile. The desired weld bead profile is compared to the actual weld bead profile and the weld process is modified if there is a difference between the actual weld bead profile and the desired weld bead profile. Modifications may include changing wire speed, travel speed, torch position, torch angles, or other various welding parameters.