Steve Spisak

US Patent:

40741036, Feb 14, 1978

Filed:

Jan 12, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/648052

Inventors:

Thomas E. Shoup - Amherst OH
Steve Spisak - Elyria OH

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B23K 1104

US Classification:

219 98

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for welding studs to workpieces are provided. The invention is particularly concerned with welding studs to workpieces made of materials having relatively low electrical resistance but covered with layers of other materials having higher electrical resistance, a common example being metal workpieces having painted surfaces. In order for the stud to make effective electrical contact with the workpiece at the beginning of the welding cycle, the paint must be eliminated; in accordance with the invention, this is accomplished by rotating the stud which effectively removes the portion of the paint in contact with the stud. Electrical contact can then be established between the stud and the workpiece to enable the welding cycle to be initiated.

US Patent:

41297709, Dec 12, 1978

Filed:

Apr 28, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/791863

Inventors:

Robert L. Gogolin - Lorain OH
Steve Spisak - Elyria OH

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B23K 920

US Classification:

219 98

Abstract:

Apparatus for welding studs to workpieces by a drawn-arc welding technique is provided. The apparatus includes a stud welding tool having a plunge dampener mounted on the rear end thereof for dampening the plunge stroke of the stud during the welding cycle. The plunge dampener includes a rolling diaphragm which reduces friction. The plunge dampener also incorporates both vacuum and pressure for dampening the plunge stroke of the stud.

US Patent:

40190137, Apr 19, 1977

Filed:

Apr 7, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/565535

Inventors:

Steve Spisak - Elyria OH

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B23K 920

US Classification:

219 98

Abstract:

The welding of studs by a drop technique is provided, including provisions for the rapid feeding of the studs to a chuck. In this type of welding, a stud is held a predetermined distance above a workpiece with an electrical potential established therebetween. The stud is held in a chuck which, in turn, is carried by a ram. The stud, the chuck, and the ram are allowed to drop the predetermined distance to the workpiece, at which time the stud becomes fused thereto. Weights are often applied to the ram and the distance of the stud above the workpiece can be varied to achieve a proper weld for a particular workpiece. Means are provided to rapidly supply studs to the chuck and include a chuck leg forming a loading passage and carrying the chuck at an end thereof. A feed passage communicates with the side of the loading passage and feeds studs thereinto from a remote supply source. A back-up plunger is affixed directly to the ram and extends into the loading passage of the chuck leg.

US Patent:

41784952, Dec 11, 1979

Filed:

May 18, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/798141

Inventors:

Steve Spisak - Elyria OH
Thomas E. Shoup - Amherst OH

Assignee:

TRW, Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B23K 920

US Classification:

219 98

Abstract:

Apparatus is provided for welding studs to workpieces. The invention is particularly concerned with welding studs to workpieces made of materials having relatively low electrical resistance but covered with layers of other materials having higher electrical resistance, a common example being metal workpieces having painted surfaces. In order for the stud to make effective electrical contact with the workpiece at the beginning of the welding cycle, the paint must be eliminated; in accordance with the invention, this is accomplished by rotating the stud which effectively removes the portion of the paint in contact with the stud. Electrical contact can then be established between the stud and the workpiece to enable the welding cycle to be initiated.