Patent ID: 6548783
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A welding apparatus comprising:an electric power source for producing a welding current; a track; a welding head carriage adapted for movement on the track; first feedback means for providing a first feedback signal indicating the travel speed of the weld head carriage on the track; first control means for controlling the travel speed of the weld head carriage based on the feedback signal from the first feedback means; an index arm mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the track; second feedback means for providing a second feedback signal indicating the transverse movement of the index arm; second control means for controlling the transverse movement of the index arm based on the second feedback signal from the second feedback means; a slide mounted for movement in a direction substantially transverse to the index arm; a welding torch mounted to the slide for producing an electric arc from the welding current delivered by the electric power source; third feedback means for providing a third feedback signal indicating the length of the electric arc produced by the welding torch; third control means for controlling the length of the electric arc based on the third feedback signal from the third feedback means; means for dispensing a filler material to the welding torch; fourth feedback means for providing a fourth feedback signal indicating the rate at which filler material is dispensed by the dispensing means; fourth control means for controlling the rate at which the filler material is dispensed by the dispensing means based on the fourth feedback signal from the fourth feedback means; means for shutting down the electric power source based on signals from the first control means, and the second control means; and means for collecting data from the first, third and fourth control means, and the electric power source.