US4829153A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Welding arc initiator
Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Filing: 1987-06-30
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Granted: 1989-05-09
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Expires: 2007-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved inert gas shielded tungsten arc welder is disclosed of the type wherein a tungsten electrode is shielded within a flowing inert gas, and, an arc, following ignition, burns between the energized tungsten electrode and a workpiece. The improvement comprises in combination with the tungsten electrode, a starting laser focused upon the tungsten electrode which to ignite the electrode heats a spot on the energized electrode sufficient for formation of a thermionic arc. Interference problems associated with high frequency starters are thus overcome.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas B. Correy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:42
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K9/00; B23K9/06; B23K9/067; B23K9/0672; B23K9/0675
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
In a tungsten electrode inert gas shielded arc welding system of the class wherein a tungsten electrode tip is shielded within a flowing inert gas and an arc following ignition burns between the tungsten electrode when energized and a workpiece, a welding arc initiator comprising the combination of: a. an electrode of the arc welding system having an electrode tip; b. pulsed laser means such as to be able to heat the electrode spot struck by the laser beam to 1000 K in a pulse time of 0.005 seconds or greater for heating the electrode tip sufficient for formation of a thermionic arc; c. laser beam guiding means comprising a fiber optic cable for directing the laser beam to the tungsten electrode tip; and d. control means for controlling the initiation, energy level, and duration of the laser beam; the laser means, laser beam guiding means, and control means being such as to transfer at least 45 Joules of energy to the electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
In a tungsten electrode inert gas shielded arc welding system of the class wherein a tungsten electrode tip is shielded within a flowing inert gas and an arc following ignition burns between the tungsten electrode when energized and a workpiece, a welding arc initiator comprising the combination of: a. an electrode of the arc welding system having an electrode tip; b. pulsed laser means such as to be able to heat the electrode spot struck by the laser beam to 1000 K in a pulse time of 0.005 seconds or greater for heating the electrode tip sufficient for formation of a thermionic arc; c. laser beam guiding means comprising a fiber optic cable for directing the laser beam to the tungsten electrode tip; and d. control means for controlling the initiation, energy level, and duration of the laser beam; the laser means, laser beam guiding means, and control means being such as to transfer at least 45 Joules of energy to the electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination according to claim 1 wherein the laser means has an output of at least 50 watts.
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) | 1992-05-08 | 1992-11-07 | 1993-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-08 | 1996-11-07 | 1997-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-08 | 2000-11-07 | 2001-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |