Guidance system for arc welder

A guidance system for an arc welder having a welding head comprising a probe mounted in the vicinity of the welding head, an actuating rod moveably mounted within said probe, motor means causing movement of the probe and the welding head relative to the surface of a workpiece to be welded, first switching means sensing movement of the actuating rod, second switching means resulting in direct movement of the probe and welding head, switch means manually activated by an operator energizing said second switching means, and circuit means activating the said motor means in response to signals produced by said first and second switching means.

A probe for a guidance system of an arc welder comprising a casing having an aperture at the top and bottom thereof, an actuating rod in the casing and generally parallel thereto, means pivotally supporting the actuating rod in the casing and preventing any substantial movement along the axis of the actuating rod, an extension of the actuating rod extending beyond the aperture at the bottom of the casing sensing a seam of a workpiece to be welded, control means causing movement of the arc welder along the workpiece, first switching means sensing movement of the actuating rod and transmitting signals to the control means, and second switching means manually activated by an operator resulting in direct movement of the probe.

A probe for a guidance system of an arc welder including means causing relative movement between the probe and a workpiece comprising an actuating rod moveably mounted with respect to the probe, control means causing movement of said arc welder, said actuating rod sensing the surface of the workpiece, first switching means sensing movement of the actuating rod and transmitting signals to the control means, second switching means resulting in direct movement of the probe, and switch means manually activated by an operator energizing said second switching means.