Abstract: A robot system includes: a robot; a portable operation terminal having a teaching function; and a robot controller having operation modes including a teaching mode and another operation mode different from the teaching mode, the teaching mode being an operation mode for teaching a motion to the robot through the portable operation terminal. The robot controller is configured to: detect electrical connection and electrical disconnection between the robot controller and the portable operation terminal; change an operation mode in which to operate the robot to the teaching mode when detecting the connection between the robot controller and the portable operation terminal; and change the operation mode in which to operate the robot to the other operation mode different from the teaching mode when detecting the disconnection between the robot controller and the portable operation terminal.

Abstract: An electrical connector can be provided for connecting a power source to an insertable conductor, including an igniter for exothermic weld material. One or more conductors can be disposed within a housing that is configured to receive the insertable conductor. An actuator can be engaged from outside the housing to move at least one of the conductors within the housing between resting and actuated orientations.

Abstract: Specific AC welding waveforms are utilized to increase the toughness level of austenitic stainless steel above what is achieved using the same welding consumables using standard DC welding waveforms.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge welding system includes at least one capacitive discharge-based power supply that is adapted to provide alternate polarity pulses from a first weld to a subsequent weld, and to be compatible with iron-core transformers used for alternating current resistance welding; at least one iron core transformer adapted to receive electrical discharges from the capacitive discharge-based power supply; a polarity switching network that includes at least two sets of silicon controlled rectifiers that are arranged in pairs for facilitating current flow in alternate directions; a pair of engagable, properly biased shunt diodes that are operative to shunt reflected current for protecting the silicon controlled rectifiers when the system is in use; and a control network configured for simultaneous engagement of the properly biased shunt diodes and firing the silicon controlled rectifiers for current flow; and tracking polarity for assuring that subsequent pulses use opposite direction current flow for p

Abstract: A method of operating a welding power supply during a welding process in which an electric arc between a consumable electrode and a work piece is generated while feeding the consumable electrode and moving the arc in relation to the work piece along a welding track, wherein a transition between a DC power output of the welding power supply and an AC power output of the welding power supply, or vice versa, is made without interruption of the welding process.

Abstract: An exothermic welding cup and an exothermic welding capsule, wherein the exothermic welding cup comprises a cup, a cover and an igniter; the cup is used to accommodate welding powder, the cup has an opening, and the cover is used to cover the opening; the igniter comprises a heating portion disposed in the cup, and the heating portion has an insulating member and a heating member; and the insulating member is disposed between the heating member and the cover. The exothermic welding cup can avoid the shorting caused by the contact between the heated heating member and the cover. Also, an encapsulation ring disposed between the cover and the cup is configured to seal the welding powder within the cup so as to prevent the powder from falling out, and the encapsulation ring made of stainless steel ensures effective encapsulation of the welding powder within a certain welding time.

Abstract: A contact tip assembly with a preheating tip comprises a welding power source configured to provide welding current to a welding circuit, the welding circuit comprising a welding electrode and a first contact tip of a welding torch. The assembly also includes an electrode preheating circuit configured to provide preheating current through a portion of the welding electrode via a second contact tip of the welding torch, and a voltage sense circuit to monitor a voltage drop across the two contact tips, and the electrode preheating circuit adjusts at least one of the first current or the preheating current based on the voltage drop.

Abstract: A cover includes a base plate, an orbital disc, a plate slide and a disc slide. The cover is configured for positioning over an opening of a light-tight enclosure. The base plate includes an aperture, a bore and a slot defined therein. The base plate is configured to engage the enclosure. The orbital disc includes an aperture defined therein, a wall disposed adjacent the aperture, and a slot defined therein. The orbital disc is configured to at least partially engage the bore of the base plate. The plate slide is configured to slidingly engage the slot of the base plate. The disc slide is configured to slidingly engage the slot of the orbital disc.

Abstract: A contact tip assembly with a preheating tip comprises a welding power source configured to provide welding current to a welding circuit, the welding circuit comprising a welding electrode and a first contact tip of a welding torch. The assembly also includes an electrode preheating circuit configured to provide preheating current through a portion of the welding electrode via a second contact tip of the welding torch, and a voltage sense circuit to monitor a voltage drop across the two contact tips, and the electrode preheating circuit adjusts at least one of the first current or the preheating current based on the voltage drop.

Abstract: A method of and system for controlling high frequency arc initiation in a power supply is provided. The power supply includes an output circuit that outputs at least one of a voltage waveform and a current waveform. High frequency, high voltage pulses are induced across a gap between an electrode and a workpiece to create an arc. The method and system further include monitoring at least one of a voltage reading and a current reading across the gap to determine a condition of the arc and controlling the high frequency, high voltage pulses based on the condition of the arc and the type of process, which can be, e.g., SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, etc.

Abstract: A device for arc welding with fusible wire including a device for setting the wire speed and a device for selecting a metal transfer rate type, the device for setting the wire speed being maneuverable by the hands or fingers of an operator. The device for selecting a metal transfer rate type cooperate with the device for setting the wire speed in such a way as to allow the operator to set the wire speed by maneuvering the device for setting the wire speed and to automatically select, on the basis of the wire speed setting, a metal transfer rate type.

Abstract: A device for detecting metal with sparking electrosurgical instruments. The device contains a metal detector, which decides, on the basis of the current and voltage delivered to the instrument, whether a spark originating from the instrument contacts biological tissue or a metal part. The component of the current is determined that is inconsistent with a linear equivalent circuit. The elements of the linear equivalent circuit may be determined in a regression calculation. As first decision criterion, the spark characteristic variable Frel is determined from the current. As second decision criterion, a resistance characteristic variable R is determined, which characterizes the tissue resistance. Both characteristic variables are compared with threshold values. If the tissue resistance falls below the resistance threshold value and the spark characteristic variable exceeds the spark size threshold value, a signal is generated that characterizes the activation of the spark against a metal part.

Abstract: A welding component, such as a remote pendant or wire feeder includes an inrush current control circuit. The welding component may be coupled to a welding power source when the power sources is live and outputting power. Power is stored in the component, such as in capacitors, for operation of a local power supply, such as for an operator interface, display, and the like. Upon connection to the power source, the current application to the capacitors may be delayed to reduce or prevent arcing. The inrush current may also be limited, as may the voltage, to similarly reduce arcing and to provide additional benefits.

Abstract: A system and method involve using a first laser to generate a laser-induced plasma filament within an optically-transparent medium, using a second laser to generate a communication signal, and using a signal combiner positioned within the path of both the first laser and the second laser to direct the communication signal through the laser-induced plasma filament to a receiver located within the optically-transparent medium.

Abstract: A method for forming an impact weld used in an additive manufacturing process. The method includes providing a wire having a powder filler metal core located within a sheath. The wire is then inserted within a conduit having an opening. Further, the method includes providing at least one energy pulse that interacts with the sheath to pinch off at least one segment of the wire, wherein the energy pulse causes propulsion of the segment toward a substrate with sufficient velocity to form an impact weld for welding the metal core to the substrate. In particular, the energy pulse is an electromagnetic pulse, a laser energy pulse or a high electric current pulse.

Abstract: A system and method is provided. The system includes a first power supply that outputs a welding current that includes welding pulse currents and a background welding current. The system also includes a second power supply that outputs a heating current that includes first heating pulse currents at a first polarity and second heating pulse currents at an opposite polarity. The system also includes a controller that synchronizes at least one of the first heating pulse currents and the second heating pulse currents with at least one of the welding pulse currents and the background current to influence a position of an arc relative to a molten puddle based on magnetic fields created by the welding current and the heating current.

Abstract: In a boost chopper circuit, a backflow prevention diode circuit has a withstand voltage equal to or more than a withstand voltage of a capacitor circuit connected in series to the backflow prevention diode circuit between opposite ends of a switching device circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a welding power supply including a main power supply and a background power supply are provided. The main power supply includes a first transformer that supplies a first power output to welding electrodes for use in a welding operation. The background power supply includes a secondary transformer that charges an energy storage device to a regulated voltage level and is adapted to discharge the energy storage device by a controlled amount to supply a second regulated power output to the welding electrodes for use in the welding operation when a transient voltage event occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for laser heating in a fluid environment (30). Such a system may include a laser generator (12) and a laser output sub (16) separate from one another via an optical fiber (18). The laser generator may generate a heating laser pulse over the optical fiber. The laser output sub may emit the heating laser pulse to heat a substrate (22) in the fluid environment (30). To enable the heating laser pulse to pass between the laser output sub (16) and the substrate (22), the laser output sub may dispense a laser-transmissive optical grease or a laser-transmissive magnetic fluid, or may generate a vacuum cavitation bubble in the fluid between the laser output sub (16) and the substrate (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ignition device for exothermic welding comprising an electrically conductive metal bushing (1) that can house a pellet of a first welding material (4) in electrical contact with the inner wall of an inner chamber (1c) of the bushing (1), provided with an electrically insulating cap (2) and a bottom base (1b) with an opening (1d) through which the first welding material (4) falls in an incandescent state onto a second welding material (4a) arranged in a weld mold (7) when an exothermic reaction has been triggered in the first welding material (4); an electrode (5) that goes through the cap (2) of the metal bushing (1) and comprises a top contact (5a) connectable to a power output (24) of a voltage generator and a bottom contact in the form of a filament (5b) that can be in electrical contact with the pellet of the first welding material (4), the filament (5b) being made of a material having a melting temperature greater than the ignition temperature of the welding material (

Abstract: A method of operating a welding power supply (20) during a welding process in which an electric arc (95) between a consumable electrode (94) and a work piece (102) is generated while feeding the consumable electrode (94) and moving the arc (95) in relation to the work piece (102) along a welding track (103), wherein a transition between a DC power output of the welding power supply and an AC power output of the welding power supply, or vice versa, is made without interruption of the welding process.

Abstract: A lighting device is configured such that only one of a first current control circuit and a charging current control circuit operates in any of operation modes from a first mode to a fourth mode. The lighting device is configured such that the first current control circuit and the charging current control circuit are not included in the same closed circuit.

Abstract: A torch-mounted power controller mounts to the handle of a welding torch and includes a control lever that is operated by the user's finger. The control lever is arranged to allow the user to hold the torch with a normal grip. Power supply to the welding torch is controlled by applying finger pressure to a control lever. A voltage control circuit is operatively connected to the control lever and controls the amount of power supplied responsive to the movement of the control lever.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a plasma arc torch system having a power supply and a plasma arc torch. The method includes supplying power to the power supply from a battery. The battery provides at least a portion of the power to generate a plasma arc by the plasma arc torch. The method also includes communicating a first signal, indicating at least one parameter of the battery, between the battery and a control unit of the power supply, generating a second signal, by the control unit, based on the at least one parameter of the battery, and controlling, using the control circuit, operation of the plasma arc torch based on the second signal.

Abstract: Provided is a wire-bonding apparatus 10 including a capillary 28 through which a wire 30 is inserted, a nonsticking determination circuit 36, and a controller 80. The nonsticking determination circuit 36 applies a predetermined alternating-current electrical signal between the wire held by the capillary and the bonding target, obtains a capacitance value between the wire held by the capillary and the bonding target, determines that the wire is disconnected from the bonding target when the capacitance value decreases after the first bonding operation, and determines that the disconnected wire drops down and is brought into contact with the bonding target when the capacitance value returns to an original value before reaching the second bonding point.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system including a rectification circuit, a power calibrating conversion circuit, an inverting conversion circuit, an LC circuit, a first output switch, a second output switch and a relay switch is disclosed. The rectification circuit couples to the main electricity. The power calibrating conversion circuit couples to the rectification circuit, and includes an independent drive unit and a switch unit. The inverting conversion circuit couples to the power calibrating conversion circuit. The LC circuit couples between output neutral terminal and output ground terminal. The first output switch couples between the LC circuit and the inverting conversion circuit. The second output switch couples between the inverting conversion circuit and output live terminal. The relay switch couples between the input neutral terminal and the LC circuit. When the relay switch turns on, the input neutral terminal connects with the output neutral terminal through the LC circuit.

Abstract: A welding device has a central unit and a welding torch unit, which can be connected to the central unit. The central unit includes at least one welding current source for providing electric current needed to operate the welding torch unit and includes a control unit. The welding torch unit includes at least a first welding torch with a first welding wire and a second welding torch with a second welding wire. The control unit is configured to carry out a starting process in such a way that firstly a first arc ignition takes place at one of the two welding torches and after a waiting time since the first arc ignition has passed, a second arc ignition takes place at the other of the two welding torches, which until then was not ignited.

Abstract: A system and method of rating the arc maintainability of an electric arc welding stick electrode by creating an arc between the electrode and a workpiece; moving the electrode along the workpiece while maintaining the arc; decreasing either the current or the voltage until a point is reached where the arc is extinguished; determining the open circuit voltage at the point; and, rating the electrode based upon at least the open circuit voltage point.

Abstract: A system for controlling a welding operation provides for open-loop control of voltage applied to a wire electrode during an initial arc initiation stage of operation. The voltage may be based upon an operator set voltage. Electrode wire feed speeds may be varied during the same period. The voltage may be changed, but still open-loop controlled after initial contact between the electrode and a workpiece. The control transitions from open-loop to closed loop following the arc initiation stage, which may be a fixed interval or varied based upon various factors. Closed-loop voltage control then ensues, in which voltage may be limited to values based upon the initial open-loop voltage. The voltage may be regulated by control of SCR firing angles, such as by reference to a zero-crossing of an input AC waveform.

Abstract: A system and method for re-igniting and stabilizing an arc is provided. The system includes an output system that provides an output waveform, which includes a positive period and a negative period. The positive period includes a positive decay period prior to a transition to the negative period, and the negative period includes a negative decay period prior to a transition to said positive period. The system further includes an inductive discharge and stabilizing system, which includes at least one inductor. The at least one inductor re-ignites an arc between an electrode and a workpiece during the transition period from the positive period to the negative period and the transition period from the negative period to the positive period. The at least one inductor also provides a stabilizing current to stabilize said arc during at least a portion of said positive period and at least a portion of said negative period.

Abstract: In a welding system, a preheating process is carried out prior to initiation of a welding arc, such as upon depression of a trigger or switch on a welding torch. The preheating process involves generation and application of desired currents and voltages to a welding electrode from a power supply. Preheating is continued until the welding electrode reaches a desired temperature or resistance, which may be determined by reference to an increasing voltage, a decreasing current, a peaked and declining voltage, resistance and/or power measurements, and so forth. Following preheating, a desired welding process may begin with initiation of the welding arc.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing low current regulation for AC arc welding processes to regulate arc welding performance. In arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of bridge and arc regulation circuits allow for the directional switching of the welding output current through the welding output circuit path and induce a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece of the welding output circuit path that is sufficient to re-ignite the arc during polarity transition of the output current. The arc regulation circuit provides a high inductance level for storing energy, in both polarities, which induces the voltage level for re-igniting the arc during the zero crossing of the output current and provides low end stabilization of arc current.

Abstract: An electric welding arc starter powered by a switching regulator, which draws its input current from the weld cables. Optionally, the regulator temporarily reduces its input current after the arc igniter fires. Optionally, the regulator temporarily increases its input current before the arc igniter fires.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a converter circuit, which includes at least two phase modules each having first and second subconverter systems, which include power semiconductor switches. The switches of the first and second subconverter systems are driven by first and second drive signals, respectively. To enable dimensioning a capacitive energy store of the converter circuit to be independent of a desired current at an output connection of the converter circuit, for each phase module, the first and second drive signals are respectively formed from a voltage signal across inductances and a switching function for the switches of the first and second subconverter systems, respectively. The switching functions are formed by a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage at the output connection and a selectable reference signal. The voltage signals are selected to be in phase with the voltage at the output connections of the phase modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing low current regulation for AC arc welding processes to regulate arc welding performance. In arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of bridge and arc regulation circuits allow for the directional switching of the welding output current through the welding output circuit path and induce a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece of the welding output circuit path that is sufficient to re-ignite the arc during polarity transition of the output current. The arc regulation circuit provides a high inductance level for storing energy, in both polarities, which induces the voltage level for re-igniting the arc during the zero crossing of the output current and provides low end stabilization of arc current.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus includes a main power supply circuit for outputting an arc current, a control circuit for controlling the main power supply circuit, and a high-frequency voltage generating circuit for generating a high-frequency voltage. When an operation switch is turned on for a first time since the apparatus is powered on, the control circuit activates the main power supply circuit to output a high voltage, and the high-frequency voltage generating circuit to generate a high-frequency voltage. With the high voltage superimposed on the high-frequency voltage, the control circuit passes a welding arc current through a torch and a base material. The switch is then turned off, and the control circuit passes a pilot arc current through the torch and the base material. The switch is turned on again, and the control circuit activates the main power supply circuit to output a high voltage, thereby allowing smooth arc transition.

Abstract: A method and system to start and use a combination wire feed and energy source system for any of brazing, cladding, building up, filling, and hard-facing overlaying applications. High intensity energy is applied onto a workpiece to heat the workpiece. One or more resistive filler wires are fed toward the workpiece at or just in front of the applied high intensity energy. Sensing of when a distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires makes contact with the workpiece at or near the applied high intensity energy is accomplished. Electric heating current to the one or more resistive filler wires is controlled based on whether or not the distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires is in contact with the workpiece. The applied high intensity energy and the one or more resistive filler wires are moved in a same direction along the workpiece in a fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: A system and method of rating the arc maintainability of an electric arc welding stick electrode by creating an arc between the electrode and a workpiece; moving the electrode along the workpiece while maintaining the arc; decreasing either the current or the voltage until a point is reached where the arc is extinguished; determining the open circuit voltage at the point; and, rating the electrode based upon at least the open circuit voltage point.

Abstract: A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.

Abstract: A consumable electrode type arc welding method for generating arc between a plate-shaped work and a welding wire by a mixed shield gas including argon gas to weld the plate-shaped work, includes: making a state of reverse polarity in which the polarity of the welding wire is positive at the welding start time, and switching at least once to a state of positive polarity in which the polarity of the welding wire is negative.

Abstract: A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.

Abstract: A TIG welder and methodologies for providing an output welding current in a welding circuit. The welder has main and background power supplies. The main supply has an SCR network which selectively connects a transformer secondary winding to the welding circuit according to SCR control signals. The background supply is connected to the SCR network, which selectively connects the second power supply to the welding circuit according to the SCR control signals. The SCR network may have first and second SCRs operating according to first and second SCR control signals from a control circuit, where the control circuit is connected to the SCR network and the second power supply and selectively connects the SCR control signals to the SCR network according to the setpoint current value.

Abstract: A electric welding machine having an auxiliary power output, and a method for controlling the auxiliary power output on a welding machine is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a main transformer having a first secondary winding in circuit communication with a welder power output and a second secondary winding in circuit communication with an auxiliary power supply having an auxiliary power output. The auxiliary power supply includes an input for monitoring the welder power output to determine if the welder power output is on; circuitry for determining whether a surge or spike in demand is present at the auxiliary power output; and circuitry for limiting the available power to the auxiliary power output if certain conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.

Abstract: A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an improved start in a welding are provided. The system may include a power circuit and a control circuit: The power circuit may generate welding output power for a welding process. The control circuit may control the start of the welding process, for example, by generating a current pulse.

Abstract: A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.

Abstract: An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.

Abstract: A spark gap device is described such as for use in welding systems. The device receives a high voltage, low current input signal and produces high frequency waveform output. The device includes one or more toroidal members surrounding a rod-like member with an annular gap therebetween. When the input signal is applied to the device, arcs are established in the gap between the toroidal members and the rod-like member, producing the high frequency output. Erosion and loci of arcs between the toroidal members and the rod-like member are distributed, resulting in extended life of the assembly. The gaps are also shielded from contaminants and moisture by an insolative body that maintains the toroidal members and the rod-like member in place with respect to one another.