Patent ID: 6414260
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
Welding electrode assembly, comprising:(a) a welding electrode including an elongated electrode shaft having opposite outer and inner ends and defining an elongated channel extending axially between said outer and inner ends and an electrode element mounted to said outer end of said electrode shaft; (b) an electrode holder having an interior cavity receiving said inner end of said electrode shaft so as to mount said welding electrode to said electrode holder with said channel of said electrode shaft in communication with said interior cavity of said electrode holder; (c) an ultrasonic transmitter or an ultrasonic receiver mounted to said electrode holder in a spaced relationship from said inner end of said electrode shaft for radiating or receiving ultrasonic waves through said interior cavity of said electrode holder and said channel of said electrode shaft to or from said electrode element; and (d) means defined on said electrode holder between locations of said ultrasonic transmitter or said ultrasonic receiver and said inner end of said electrode shaft and provided in communication with said interior cavity of said electrode holder for filling said interior cavity of said electrode holder and said channel of said electrode shaft with a fluid medium.