Apparatus, systems, processes, control systems, means and methods for near-weld gas purging and welding. A focused circumferential near-weld purge gas delivery system for pipeline welding. A near-weld purge rig which has a near-weld purge gas channel and which achieves a low oxygen concentration proximate to a pipe gap for welding. The gas used for purging is also directed against an interior surface of the pipe to be welded. The directed gas cools the pipe to a desired temperature.

The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus, comprising: an arbitrary waveform generator to generate, and inject to a coupling network, a combination of N test signals; the coupling network to couple the N test signals to an EUT, and the responses thereof and those signals generated by the EUT itself, to a measuring unit; the measuring unit to measure the electrical signals provided by the coupling network; anda processing unit to process the N test signals and the measured electrical signals, to obtain: the electromagnetic signals, noise or EMI generated by the EUT; andthe Z, Y or S parameters of the EUT or any other meaningful set of parameters that can be computed from the aforementioned ones or from voltages and currents. The invention also relates to a measuring method adapted to perform method steps with the apparatus of the invention.

A welding system (1) comprising a main module (2) equipped with an external casing (3) in which an inlet port (4) for the connection to an external electric power source, an electric generator (5) configured to adapt the electrical characteristics of the electric power received at the inlet to a first type of welding, an outlet port (6) for the connection by means of an electric conductor (10) to a welding torch (20) and an electronic control unit (7) configured to control the functionality of the electric generator (5) are identified. The welding system also comprises a welding torch (20) configured to be connected by means of the electrical conductor (10) to the outlet port (6).

A welding gun assembly having a connection between a diffuser and the inner gun tube which provides increased strength between the diffuser and the gun tube to prevent inadvertent damage to the welding torch and upstream components. The diffuser comprises an engagement portion which engages with, and overlaps, at least a part of a sturdier portion of the inner gun tube. This engagement provides a stronger and more stable connection between the gun tube and the diffuser.

A welding torch system includes a diffuser assembly that includes a locking mechanism to receive a contact tip. Additionally, the welding torch system includes the contact tip, which includes locking elements configured to interact with the locking mechanism of the diffuser assembly to secure the contact tip within the diffuser assembly. Further, the contact tip is rotated within the diffuser assembly to securely align the locking elements with the locking mechanism.

A welding torch system includes a nozzle, a contact tip retainer assembly, and a diffuser assembly. The diffuser assembly couples to the neck of a welding torch. Additionally, the welding torch system includes a contact tip axially secured between the contact tip retainer assembly and the diffuser assembly. Further, the nozzle axially secures the contact tip retainer assembly and the contact tip to the diffuser assembly.

An arc welding apparatus is disclosed in one form including a conductor tube defining an internal passageway and a distal end portion. The internal passageway has an internal profile proximate the distal end portion. The apparatus further includes an alignment device comprising an exterior profile and an internal passage. The exterior profile is configured for mechanical attachment to the internal profile of the conductor tube. The apparatus also includes a conduit liner disposed in the internal passageway of the conductor tube and the internal passage of the alignment device.

A welding torch system includes a diffuser assembly that includes a locking mechanism to receive a contact tip. Additionally, the welding torch system includes the contact tip, which includes locking elements configured to interact with the locking mechanism of the diffuser assembly to secure the contact tip within the diffuser assembly. Further, the contact tip is rotated within the diffuser assembly to securely align the locking elements with the locking mechanism.

An example wire liner retention apparatus includes: a body comprising a bore extending longitudinally through the body, the bore configured to permit passage of a welding wire liner through the bore; a clamp configured to apply a compressive force to the welding wire liner in a radial direction within the bore to limit movement of the welding wire liner with respect to the body; and a compression adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the compressive force applied by the clamp.

A method for manufacturing an additively-manufactured object, in which a plurality of weld beads obtained by melting and solidifying a filler metal are deposited on a base portion to build a built-up object, includes: a support bead forming step of forming a support bead on the base portion; and a depositing step of depositing a weld bead on the support bead. When the support bead is formed to be inclined from a vertical direction in the support bead forming step, a ratio H/W of a height H to a width W of the support bead is set to 0.35 or more.