Brian L Riddle

US Patent:

20110210110, Sep 1, 2011

Filed:

Feb 24, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/034310

Inventors:

Stephen Dearman - Geismar LA, US
Jorge Tarajano - Baton Rouge LA, US
Brian Riddle - Port Allen LA, US
Jacob Coots - Baton Rouge LA, US

International Classification:

B23K 9/00

US Classification:

219137 R, 219136

Abstract:

A method of welding plate joints during construction or repair of a structure. The method includes the steps of: (a) positioning a series of plates forming a structure component next to one another to form a series of joints for welding; (b) positioning a welding system on or adjacent to the series of plates, the welding system including a platform with an articulating welding arm positioned thereon, wherein the articulating arm comprises a welding head and a joint sensor; (c) directing the articulating arm with a controller to detect a first joint with the joint sensor; (d) beginning to weld the first joint; (e) adjusting the position of the welding head to track the weld joint based on data from the joint sensor; and (f) repositioning the articulating arm and positioning the welding head adjacent a second weld joint to begin welding the second joint.