Tig torch tracking attachments for welding technique monitoring systems
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsWilliam Joshua Becker, Jordan J. Kopac, III, Benjamin Beatham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Some examples of the present disclosure relate to tracking attachments that allow trackable markers to be easily attached to TIG welding torches, thereby removing the need for costly customized/modified TIG welding torches. In some examples, each tracking attachment includes one or more trackable markers that can be detected and/or tracked by a monitoring system. In some examples, the trackable marker(s) of the tracking attachment facilitate tracking and/or monitoring of welding technique by aiding in the tracking/monitoring of the position(s) and/or orientation(s) of the TIG welding torch during welding-type operations.
Claims20
A tracking attachment for a tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch, the tracking attachment comprising:
- a torch mount integrated with, or configured for connection to, a back cap of the TIG torch, the torch mount comprising a trackable marker configured for detection by a tracking system.
A tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch, comprising:
- a torch handle;
- a torch neck connected to the torch handle;
- a torch head connected to the torch neck;
- a tungsten electrode positioned at least partially within, and extending from a first side of, the torch head;
- a back cap connected to, and extending from, a second side of the torch head, opposite the first side, the back cap being concentric with the tungsten electrode;
- and
- a torch mount integrated with, or connected to, the back cap, the torch mount comprising a trackable marker configured for detection by a tracking system.
A welding system, comprising:
- a tracking attachment for a tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch, the tracking attachment comprising:
- a torch mount comprising a trackable marker that can be detected by a tracking system, the torch mount being integrated with, or configured for connection to, a back cap of the TIG torch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.