Patent ID: 6091044
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A system for monitoring and controlling a welding/brazing operation on a workpiece, the workpiece comprising a first material, a second material spaced apart therefrom, and a brazing material disposed therebetween, the brazing material having a lower melting point than either of the first or second materials, the system comprising:a welding apparatus having a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart therefrom, current supply means for applying a current through the first electrode, the brazing material, and the second electrode sufficient to melt the brazing material;a controller for controlling the brazing operation, the controller for controlling current flow through the workpiece; andnon-contact sensor means, coupled to the controller, for measuring the temperature of the brazing material;wherein upon a predetermined temperature of the brazing material as measured by the non-contact sensor means, the controller causes the current supply means to terminate the application of current to the workpiece.