Abstract: Welding systems and methods utilizing cloud computing and data storage are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, via communication circuitry of a cloud-based resource, welding data relating to a welding operation from a first customer; storing the welding data in computer-readable storage media associated with the cloud-based resource; offering the welding data for sale, via the cloud based resource; receiving, via the communication circuitry, an offer for the welding data from a second customer, different from the first customer, wherein the first and second customers are individual welders, factories, distributed manufacturing operations, or a combination thereof; performing a financial transaction with the second customer; and transmitting, via the communication circuitry, the welding data to the second customer.

Abstract: Welding systems and methods utilizing cloud computing and data storage are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, via communication circuitry of a cloud-based resource, welding data relating to a welding operation from a first customer; storing the welding data in computer-readable storage media associated with the cloud-based resource; offering the welding data for sale, via the cloud based resource; receiving, via the communication circuitry, an offer for the welding data from a second customer, different from the first customer, wherein the first and second customers are individual welders, factories, distributed manufacturing operations, or a combination thereof; performing a financial transaction with the second customer; and transmitting, via the communication circuitry, the welding data to the second customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating.

Abstract: An example welding type system includes: a welding power circuit having a control input and a welding type power output; a feedback circuit configured to provide feedback regarding the welding type power output or a weld produced using the welding type power output; and a controller connected to the feedback circuit, wherein the controller includes a parameter setting module and a process selection module, the process selection module configured to automatically select a welding process from a plurality of welding processes based on the feedback from the feedback circuit or one or more welding parameters set by the parameter setting module.

Abstract: Welding systems and methods utilizing cloud computing and data storage are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, via communication circuitry of a cloud-based resource, welding data relating to a welding operation from a first customer; storing the welding data in computer-readable storage media associated with the cloud-based resource; offering the welding data for sale, via the cloud based resource; receiving, via the communication circuitry, an offer for the welding data from a second customer, different from the first customer, wherein the first and second customers are individual welders, factories, distributed manufacturing operations, or a combination thereof; performing a financial transaction with the second customer; and transmitting, via the communication circuitry, the welding data to the second customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding type power using a welding power circuit having a control input and a welding type power output, a feedback circuit and a controller connected to the control input and the feedback circuit is disclosed. The controller includes a parameter setting module and/or a process selection module that are connected to and responsive to at least one of the feedback circuit. The a process selection module can be responsive to the parameter setting module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding type power using a welding power circuit having a control input and a welding type power output, a feedback circuit and a controller connected to the control input and the feedback circuit is disclosed. The controller includes a parameter setting module and/or a process selection module that are connected to and responsive to at least one of the feedback circuit. The a process selection module can be responsive to the parameter setting module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing spatter is disclosed. A welding gun, which can be an integrated part of a welding system, includes a device, such as a solenoid or motor and roller, to slow, stop or reverse the wire. The device is activated in response to feedback indicative of a short, a short that is about to form, or the imminent clearing of a short. The detection of the short, forming of a short, or clearing of a short is in response to feedback based on current and/or voltage. Output current can also be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating and a means for locating a cable. A welding power supply has a controller, a power circuit and a weld cable locator module with a cable locator output connected to the controller, the power circuit, and/or a weld cable connection. The distal end of the cable is located, and the proximal end is connected to the power supply. An identifying signal is provided to the proximal end and transmitted to the distal end where it is detected. A pendant with a cable sensor and a transmitter responsive to the cable sensor can be provided. The cable sensor can include an RFID reader and/or a bar code reader.

Abstract: Welding systems and methods utilizing cloud computing and data storage are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, via communication circuitry of a cloud-based resource, welding data relating to a welding operation from a first customer; storing the welding data in computer-readable storage media associated with the cloud-based resource; offering the welding data for sale, via the cloud based resource; receiving, via the communication circuitry, an offer for the welding data from a second customer, different from the first customer, wherein the first and second customers are individual welders, factories, distributed manufacturing operations, or a combination thereof; performing a financial transaction with the second customer; and transmitting, via the communication circuitry, the welding data to the second customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing spatter is disclosed. A welding gun, which can be an integrated part of a welding system, includes a device, such as a solenoid or motor and roller, to slow, stop or reverse the wire. The device is activated in response to feedback indicative of a short, a short that is about to form, or the imminent clearing of a short. The detection of the short, forming of a short, or clearing of a short is in response to feedback based on current and/or voltage. Output current can also be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of welding-type systems, and the systems, are disclosed. The power supplies are each suitable for at least one of a plurality of processes, and have “N” (an integer) power modules in parallel. Each power module produces a module output power, and has a maximum output power of at least Ppm. Each power module has a similar preregulator that receives any input voltage over a range of input voltages and/or power factor corrects the input, and they include a converter circuit connected to the preregulator. The number N is determined by determining a desired maximum system power Pd1 for a first particular system, and by dividing Ppm into Pd1. There can be two types of power modules, with different output power. The output circuit may include an inverter that inverts dc power, and/or a switched snubber. The preregulator may includes an SVT and/or an SCT circuit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of welding-type systems, and the systems, are disclosed. The power supplies are each suitable for at least one of a plurality of processes, and have “N” (an integer) power modules in parallel. Each power module produces a module output power, and has a maximum output power of at least Ppm. Each power module has a similar preregulator that receives any input voltage over a range of input voltages and/or power factor corrects the input, and they include a converter circuit connected to the preregulator. The number N is determined by determining a desired maximum system power Pd1 for a first particular system, and by dividing Ppm into Pd1. There can be two types of power modules, with different output power. The output circuit may include an inverter that inverts dc power, and/or a switched snubber. The preregulator may includes an SVT and/or an SCT circuit.

Abstract: A modular portable welding wire feeder housed in an instrument case and a method of modifying an instrument case to house a welding wire feeder are disclosed. The modular portable wire feeder includes a chassis assembly conveniently mounted inside of the instrument case housing. The instrument case includes welding input interfaces disposed to receive welding inputs and welding output interfaces disposed to provide welding outputs.

Abstract: First and second CV power sources are connected in parallel. The first CV source provides an output sufficient for welding. The second CV source also has an output sufficient for welding, but at is at a voltage less than the voltage of the output of the first CV source and may also have a lower current output. Voltage from the first CV source is blocked from being applied to the second CV source, preferably by diodes or SCRs. The second CV source is a background source with a secondary and a rectifier, preferably a center tapped secondary with a full wave rectifier, and an inductor between the output. The first CV source is a welding source with a secondary and a rectifier, preferably a center tapped secondary with a full wave rectifier, and an inductor between the rectifier and the output.