US4040557A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elliptical seam welding apparatus
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1976-01-23
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Granted: 1977-08-09
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Expires: 1996-01-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for welding the circumference of an elliptical member is characterized by welding torch movably mounted on a support framework. A turntable rotates the elliptical member at a variable speed so that the travel under the welding torch is constant and that each point of the circumference of the elliptical member is successively the greatest distance above a horizontal reference datum. A control arrangement is provided to move the welding torch along the support framework so as to locate the torch adjacent each successive point on the elliptical member that is the greatest distance above the horizontal datum.
Inventors
- 👤 James S. Heverly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:56
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K9/00; B23K9/02; B23K9/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for welding a complexly, convexly curved member, said apparatus comprising: a welding torch; means for rotating said convexly curved member at varying angular velocities to produce a predetermined generally constant linear speed relative to said torch; a pair of probes disposed in a spaced relation to each other and to said torch, each probe abutting said convexly curved member and responding to variations in distance from a datum plane to produce a signal proportional to said variations; means for moving said torch in X and Y directions in response to the signal from said probes to a point on said convexly curved member which point is successively the greatest distance from said datum plane; whereby said welding torch forms a weld pool adjacent said point to automatically form a uniform weld adjacent the periphery of said complexly, convexly curved member as said member rotates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for welding a complexly, convexly curved member, said apparatus comprising: a welding torch; means for rotating said convexly curved member at varying angular velocities to produce a predetermined generally constant linear speed relative to said torch; a pair of probes disposed in a spaced relation to each other and to said torch, each probe abutting said convexly curved member and responding to variations in distance from a datum plane to produce a signal proportional to said variations; means for moving said torch in X and Y directions in response to the signal from said probes to a point on said convexly curved member which point is successively the greatest distance from said datum plane; whereby said welding torch forms a weld pool adjacent said point to automatically form a uniform weld adjacent the periphery of said complexly, convexly curved member as said member rotates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the complexly, convexly curved member is elliptical.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each probe of the pair has a null position and the pair of probes are disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the convexly curved member and are so disposed in this plane that when in their null position a line through their point of contact with the convexly curved member is generally parallel to the datum plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the datum plane is generally horizontal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising a third probe mounted in a spaced relationship with the torch and abutting said convexly curved member, the third probe sending a signal to the moving means in response to variations from a predetermined distance from the datum plane to actuate the moving means to reestablish the null position of the pair of probes and parallelism between the line and the datum plane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein a predetermined clearance is set between the torch and the convexly curved member and the third probe responds to deviation in this clearance to send a signal to the moving means to restore the predetermined clearance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the convexly curved member is elliptical and the pair of probes produce signals which activate the moving means to move distances in the Y direction functionally related to the difference between the major and minor axis of the elliptical member and the third probe produces a signal which activates the moving means in the X direction for a maximum distance functionally related to the difference between the major and minor axis of the elliptical member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-08 | 1981-02-07 | 1981-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-08 | 1985-02-07 | 1985-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-08 | 1989-02-07 | 1989-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |