Inventors:
Allen W. Case - Amsterdam NY
Norman R. Kuchar - Burnt Hills NY
Donald C. Peroutky - Schenectady NY
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Schenectady NY
International Classification:
B23K 910
Abstract:
A gas tungsten arc welding torch has an integral optical system which images the weld puddle on the face of a fiber optic cable, and is suitable for industrial welding. The copper torch body has cover gas, electrical power, and coolant connections and an integral slim profile electrode holder. The optical lens is located directly above the electrode; the holder is out of focus and is not seen in the image of the weld region. A concentric torch configuration is more compact and has a large field of view at the weld area. When coupled to a remote video camera and monitor components, the torch-vision system permits control of torch manipulation and of the weld process.