Radio-Networked Welder System
First Claim
1. A method for use in welding with a human operator and a welding apparatus to form a welded product, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) tagging welding wire with a first radio transceiver storing information about the wire;
(b) providing a second radio transceiver at the welding apparatus, (c) providing a third radio transceiver associated with the at the human operator, (d) logging the information about the wire, the operator, and the characteristics of the weld, and (e) maintaining the logged information at a location remote from the welder along with a time stamp and a means of authenticating the maintained log, wherein the first, second and third transceivers operate at a frequency below 1 megahertz.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Radio-tagged components are used a welding operation to form a welded product. Pedigree/quality control is monitored by tagging welding wire with a first radio transceiver storing information about the wire; providing a second radio transceiver at the welding apparatus, providing a third radio transceiver associated with the at the human operator, logging information about the wire, the operator, and the characteristics of the weld, and maintaining the logged information at a location remote from the welder along with a time stamp and a means of authenticating the maintained log. The first, second and third transceivers operate at a frequency below 1 megahertz, preferably below 300 KHz. A similar radio tag with product pedigree information may also be affixed to the welded product.
38 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for use in welding with a human operator and a welding apparatus to form a welded product, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) tagging welding wire with a first radio transceiver storing information about the wire;
(b) providing a second radio transceiver at the welding apparatus, (c) providing a third radio transceiver associated with the at the human operator, (d) logging the information about the wire, the operator, and the characteristics of the weld, and (e) maintaining the logged information at a location remote from the welder along with a time stamp and a means of authenticating the maintained log, wherein the first, second and third transceivers operate at a frequency below 1 megahertz. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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- 7. Welding wire having associated therewith a radio transceiver that operates at a frequency below 1 megahertz, said transceiver storing information concerning the type and provenance of the welding wire.
- 10. Welding equipment having associated therewith a radio transceiver that operates at a frequency below 1 megahertz, said transceiver storing information concerning the identification of the equipment.
- 18. A welded product comprising at least two metal components joined together by a weld and a radio transceiver that operates at a frequency below 1 megahertz affixed to one of the components, said transceiver storing information concerning the formation of the weld.
Specification