Patent ID: 6284995
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing a weld bead on a desired surface, the apparatus comprising:a first hollow arm being connected to a second hollow arm by a swivel bearing, and a remote end of the second hollow arm supporting a nozzle surrounding a welding tip to facilitate welding on a surface;a hollow spindle having opposed first and second open ends with the second open end of the spindle supporting the first hollow arm, and at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the spindle having a thread formed thereon;a drive coupled to the spindle for supplying rotational drive to the spindle and causing rotation thereof;a clutch located adjacent the exterior threaded surface of the spindle;a housing accommodating the clutch, the drive and at least a portion of the spindle; andthe clutch having an engaged position in which the clutch engages with the exterior threaded surface of the spindle to cause axial movement of the spindle, relative to the housing, when the spindle is rotated by the drive, to facilitate the nozzle depositing a spiral weld bead on the desired surface to be welded, and a disengaged position in which the clutch is sufficiently spaced from the exterior threaded surface of the spindle such that the spindle is axially movable relative to the housing, and the clutch has a locking mechanism for locking the clutch in the disengaged position.