Patent ID: 6538228
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B21B,B23K

Abstract:
A welding apparatus for electric welding together metallic members at an elevated temperature, the apparatus comprising:a.) conveying means for the simultaneous conveyance along a predetermined path of at least two members to be welded; b.) gripping means for gripping the at least two members, wherein contact between the gripping means and the at least two members is minimized so as to minimize heat loss from the members to the gripping means; c.) first positioning means for positioning the gripping means; d.) first actuation means for actuating the gripping means, wherein said first positioning means and said first actuation means associated with said gripping means operate such that the at least two members gripped by the gripping means are positioned and maintained in contact with one another during the welding operation thereof; e.) electric power supply means separate from the gripping means; f.) second positioning means for positioning the electric power supply means; g.) second actuation means for actuating the electric power supply means, wherein said second positioning means and said second actuation means associated with the electric power supply means operate such that said electric power supply means are brought in contact with the at least two members and supplied with electric current thereto for electric welding together thereof during conveyance of the members; and h.) a controller for controlling, independently of one another, operation of the gripping means, the first positioning means for positioning the gripping means, and the first actuation means for actuating the gripping means and the electric power supply means, with the second positioning means for positioning the electric power supply means, and the second actuation means for actuating the electric power supply means.