US 6,213,849 B1 · Automated barrel panel transfer and processing system

Abstract

An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A system for preparing a first member comprising aluminum to be welded to a second member, the first member comprising first and second opposing walls, first and second laterally spaced edges, and third and fourth longitudinally spaced edges, wherein said first and second laterally spaced edges extend longitudinally between said third and fourth longitudinally spaced edges, and wherein said third and fourth longitudinally spaced edges extend laterally between said first and second laterally spaced edges, said system comprising:

a cleaning system adapted to remove at least a first portion of contaminants from each of the first and the second opposing walls of the first member over a predetermined area along the first and second laterally spaced edges, and which corresponds with first and second edge areas, respectively, said cleaning system including a system for delivering a plurality of particles toward the first and second edge areas of each of the first and second opposing walls of the first member;
and
a sanding system adapted to remove at least a first layer comprising aluminum oxide from the first and second edge areas of each of the first and second opposing walls.

A welding system which comprises:

a transfer system;
a first weld preparation area which comprises first and second laterally spaced weld preparation systems, wherein each of said first and second preparation systems comprise first and second weld preparation members which are disposed in vertically spaced relation;
and
a welding system, wherein said transfer system extends between said first weld preparation area and said welding system.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automated barrel panel transfer and processing system

Life of this patent

Automated barrel panel transfer and processing system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29