Importance

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Abstract

A weld force limiting apparatus for use in bench and press type welding units which is capable of advancing a first electrode into contact with production pieces to be welded together. The weld force limiter has a high pressure air source connected thereto for supplying high pressure air to the circuit. When an initiation switch is depressed to begin the welding sequence, provided all conditions are met, the high pressure air is ported through a regulator to regulate the pressure of the air to a very low pressure such that the first electrode advances toward the production pieces under very low pressure, in particular, at a pressure which is non-injurious to the human body. Once the first electrode comes within a predetermined distance of the production pieces to be welded, a pneumatic proximity switch senses that the first electrode has come within the predetermined distance and initiates a signal to bypass the regulator thereby applying the high pressure air to the cylinder of the welder for supplying the pressure necessary to effect the welding sequence. If the first electrode does not come within the predetermined distance of the production pieces because an obstruction or a finger or arm of the operator is caught between the electrode and the production pieces, the high pressure air is not circuited to bypass the regulator and only a very low force is applied to the obstruction.

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First Claim