Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power include a wire feeder that provides wire to an arc and a power supply that provides power to the arc. A reversible wire feed motor moves the wire to and away from the arc. A controller controls the reversible wire feeder motor to reverse at least once per process cycle, and/or controls the power source to provide a desired mean arc current, and/or controls the reversible motor in response to short detection and short clearing, and/or controls the reversal frequency in response to pool oscillation frequency. A wire feed motor output is slaved to an average of the reversible motor output. The controller may include various control modules, such as a mean arc current control module, and/or a short detection feedback circuit. The reversible motor is a stepper motor, that incrementally turns in a series of steps having a given angle in another embodiment.

Abstract: An automatic weld line copying apparatus has a non-contact type sensor including a core wound with an exciting primary winding which in turn is wound with a secondary winding a plurality of secondary coils differentially. The sensor is compact and able to detect, without contact, the distance from the flat surface or edge line of an object to be welded thus making possible accurate and efficient automatic welding of a small welding assembly with a complicated weld line.

Abstract: Control means for a welder of the "tungsten-inert-gas" type which senses even momentary engagement of the workpiece by the torch to initiate gas flow. The welding region is initially purged by the gas. After a predetermined timed interval the output of the welding power source is elevated to a level sufficient to cause the striking of an arc.Gas flow is maintained during the welding operation and for a predetermined time interval after extinction of the arc is detected.Means are also provided for visually indicating gas flow and further for automatically preventing the striking of an arc when gas flow is exhausted.Means are provided so that the welder power supply may also be turned on automatically to eliminate the need for foot or hand-operated switches conventionally used to turn on the welder power supply.Sensing means are also provided to protect the torch from becoming accidentally "welded" to the workpiece.

Abstract: An assembly for an electric igniter used principally for the ignition of gaseous fuels includes a mechanical holder and shield for conveniently mounting the igniter in a gas appliance, for example, and for protecting the same from damage. The holder is preferably ceramic and includes a bore within which the igniter is supported and through which electrical leads and terminal tabs extend, and the shield, which surrounds at least substantially all of the high temperature end of the igniter, is attached to the ceramic holder in a facile manner and provides sufficient open passages for effective heat transfer from the igniter to effect ignition of a fuel discharged proximate thereto.