Patent ID: 6026682
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: B23K,B41J,C09D,G01F,G01M

Abstract:
In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant is supplied to welding components on the machine from a source of coolant and then returned to the source of coolant, the improvement comprising:a supply sensor for measuring the supply flow rate of coolant in a supply coolant line to welding components;a return sensor for measuring the return flow rate of coolant in a return coolant line from the welding components;a microprocessor adapted to compare the supply flow rate and return flow rate and detect differences between said two rates, said microprocessor adapted to compare the detected differences to a leak threshold value, and said microprocessor adapted to generate a valve shut-off signal in the event a detected difference in flow rates exceeds the leak threshold value;a valve in the supply coolant line responsive to the valve shut-off signal to shut off the flow of coolant in response thereto;a history button, said history button including a count of the time said welding machine has been on and a count of any leaks and low flow conditions since initialization; anda modular electrical enclosure and an electrical sensor assembly.