Integrated optical sensor

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:869110

Watkins, Arthur D ^[1]; Smartt, Herschel B ^[1]; Taylor, Paul L ^[1]

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1. Idaho Falls, ID

An integrated optical sensor for arc welding having multifunction feedback control. The sensor, comprising generally a CCD camera and diode laser, is positioned behind the arc torch for measuring weld pool position and width, standoff distance, and post-weld centerline cooling rate. Computer process information from this sensor is passed to a controlling computer for use in feedback control loops to aid in the control of the welding process. Weld pool position and width are used in a feedback loop, by the weld controller, to track the weld pool relative to the weld joint. Sensor standoff distance is used in a feedback loop to control the contact tip to base metal distance during the welding process. Cooling rate information is used to determine the final metallurgical state of the weld bead and heat affected zone, thereby controlling post-weld mechanical properties.

• Research Organization: EG & G IDAHO INC
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• Assignee: EG&G Idaho, Inc. (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): US 5275327
• OSTI ID: 869110
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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