Apparatus and methods for submerged processing of a grooved work surface using a movable gate
US6417476B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/18
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A housing for an underwater processing device, for example, welding, includes a welding head movable laterally relative to the housing and the direction of the weld. At opposite ends, gates are provided having arcuate convex surfaces forming edge seals for engaging in the groove of the work surface. In one form, the gates are linearly slidable and biased in a direction away from the housing. In another form, the gates are pivotally mounted for engaging in the grooves. In both cases, the compliant seal about the margin of the housing, together with the arcuate seal of the gates, maintains a substantially water-free area within the housing to enable processing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.