Embodiments of welding machines and methods for switching between electrically isolated welding output studs. One embodiment of a welding machine includes multiple welding output studs, a work stud, a contactor circuit, touch sense circuitry, and a contactor controller. The contactor controller is configured to determine that electrical contact has occurred between a first welding output stud of the multiple welding output studs and the work stud via the touch sense circuitry. The contactor controller is also configured to deactivate welding output power to other welding output studs of the multiple welding output studs via the contactor circuit based on determining that the electrical contact has occurred. The contactor controller is further configured to activate welding output power to the first welding output stud via the contactor circuit after deactivating the other welding output studs based on determining that the electrical contact has occurred.

An apparatus for welding a welding stud to a specified location of a base material, comprising a stud holder, comprising an inert gas cover, which surrounds the stud holder while forming a gap between the stud holder and the inert gas cover, and comprising a projection device, which is intended to project a visual pattern onto the base material through the gap.

A Y-shaped refractory anchor, a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors, and a method of installing a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors in a hexagonal pattern is disclosed. The Y-shaped refractory anchor comprises a singular rectangular folded metal plate comprising a stem that comprises at least one tapered triangular section to be welded to a backing surface and a folded stem base and a branch section comprising two branches, wherein the singular metal plate is folded together at the stem base, such that the stem of the Y-shaped anchor is twice as thick as the two individual branches.

The automated ride-on stud welder eliminates the fatigue and hazards associated with stud welding by having a motor which powers a hydraulic system and a set of tracks. A seat is coupled to the automated ride-on stud welder and controls are used to direct its movement. A bulk stud storage bin stores various types of studs. These studs are moved into position via a stud track that loads studs into the stud welding system that is attached to the gantry. In addition, there is a stud attachment mechanism for ease of attaching studs to a welding surface.

The automated ride-on stud welder eliminates the fatigue and hazards associated with stud welding by having a motor which powers a hydraulic system and a set of tracks. A seat is coupled to the automated ride-on stud welder and controls are used to direct its movement. A bulk stud storage bin stores various types of studs. These studs are moved into position via a stud track that loads studs into the stud welding system that is attached to the gantry. In addition, there is a stud attachment mechanism for ease of attaching studs to a welding surface.

A portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus with a lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery and stud weld battery control system (SWBCS) is provided for welding a stud onto a workpiece. The portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus includes a housing, an LFP battery disposed in the housing and including a plurality of LFP battery cells, a weld stud gun configured to hold a stud and is electrically connected to the LFP battery for receiving energy from the LFP battery to pass a current through the stud and the workpiece to form a weldment. The SWBCS is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the LFP battery of the portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus. The SWBCS includes a computer, a memory, and instructions therein to implement control and monitoring of the operation of the portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus.

A portable stud welder apparatus is provided for welding a stud onto a work piece. The portable stud welder apparatus includes a housing and an energy storage device. A weld stud gun that is configured to hold a weld stud is electrically connected to the energy storage device for receiving energy from the energy storage device to pass a current through the stud and the work piece to form a weldment. At least one battery of the lithium ion type that is removeably coupled to the housing to establish an electrical connection with said energy storage device and provide energy to the energy storage device.

A Y-shaped refractory anchor, a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors, and a method of installing a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors in a hexagonal pattern is disclosed. The Y-shaped refractory anchor comprises a singular folded metal plate comprising a stem that comprises at least one triangular section to be welded to a backing surface and a folded stem base and a branch section comprising two branches, wherein the singular metal plate is folded together at the stem base, such that the stem of the Y-shaped anchor is twice as thick as the two individual branches.

A loading pin, for a joining device, having a first axial end portion connectable to an axial drive, and having a second axial end portion which is realized for the purpose of exerting an axial force onto a joining element in order to push the joining element into a holding device and/or in order to support the joining element axially during a joining process, wherein the loading pin comprises an axial hollow channel portion through which a joining element is guidable in an axial feed direction. The loading pin partially defines a lateral joining element feed opening, via which a joining element is feedable into the hollow channel portion.

Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.