Ring gear based welding system
US9475155B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K37/0276
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of welding a pipe section in a ring-based welding system, wherein the welding system comprises: (i) an adjustable ring gear mount; (ii) a ring gear assembly positioned on the adjustable ring gear mount, the ring gear assembly having an inner diameter and a center point; and (iii) at least one weld head assembly mounted on the ring gear assembly. The method includes steps of: (a) positioning the pipe section within the ring gear assembly, the pipe section having an object attached the pipe section which enlarges a cross-sectional profile of the pipe section; (b) moving the pipe section through the ring gear assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the pipe section's longitudinal axis; (c) operating the adjustable ring gear mount to move the center point of the ring gear assembly relative to the pipe center point in a plane substantially orthogonal to the pipe section's longitudinal axis; and (d) moving the attached object through the ring gear assembly while the ring gear assembly remains an enclosed circular structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.