# US 2023/0058902 A1 · Systems and methods for automated tip transfer

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2023/0058902 A1
- Document ID: US20230058902A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 17/406,799
- Filed: 2021-08-19
- Published: 2023-02-23
- Earliest claimed: 2021-08-19
- Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
- Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
- Inventors: JOHN D. ARTHUR; TERRY A. LEE; JAMES D. WOMACK
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20230058902A1

## CPC

- B23K 11/3072: {Devices for exchanging or removing electrodes or electrode tips}
- B23K 11/31: Electrode holders {and actuating devices therefor}
- B23K: SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM

## Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for exchanging electrode tips, e.g., electrode tips used in resistance spot welding, and disposing of used/unusable electrode tips. Used/unusable electrode tips may be collected, e.g., while within an assembly line. Such used/unusable electrode tips may be routed to a receptacle(s) reside outside the assembly line. Accordingly, disposing or removing of the used/unusable electrode tips can be accomplished without stopping the assembly line, and decreasing any chance for safety events.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system, comprising:
a first receptacle adapted to receive a welding electrode tip for disposal, the first receptacle being located within a restricted area; and
a second receptacle operatively connected to the first receptacle adapted to receive the welding electrode tip from the first receptacle, the second receptable being located external to the restricted area.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle comprises an input chamber adapted to receive the welding electrode tip from an automated electrode tip changing unit adapted to remove and dispose of the welding electrode tip in the input chamber.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the first receptacle comprises an output chamber adapted to receive the welding electrode tip from the input chamber.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The system of claim 3, wherein the second receptacle and the first receptacle are operatively connected via a hose through which a propellant moves the welding electrode tip from the output chamber of the first receptacle to the second receptacle.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The system of claim 4, wherein the propellant comprises a compressed or pressurized gas.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the automated electrode tip changing unit is operatively connected to a welding assembly from which the welding electrode tip is received.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the input chamber comprises a funneled receptacle.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second receptacle comprises a removable container adapted to capture the welding electrode tip.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the restricted area comprises an area of operation of an automated manufacturing line.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The system of claim 8, wherein the second receptacle comprises an area outside a boundary of the area of operation of the automated manufacturing line.