Patent ID: 6237408
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B23K,B41J,C09D,G01F,G01M

Abstract:
In an automated welding machine, where a flow of liquid coolant in a coolant line is supplied to welding components on the automated welding machine and then returned from the welding components, the improvement comprising:a supply sensor that generates a first signal indicative of a supply flow rate of coolant in a supply coolant line to welding components;a return sensor that generates a second signal indicative of a return flow rate of coolant in a return coolant line from the welding components;a processor that determines whether a leak threshold value has been exceeded for a finite time period utilizing the first and second signals and that, responsive to a determination that the leak threshold value has been exceeded for the finite time period, generates a valve shut-off signal; anda valve responsive to the valve shut-off signal to shut off the flow of coolant in response thereto.