Abstract: A production monitoring system has a production monitoring server, a network communication system, production monitoring data store, and production monitoring module. The system is configured to receive, from multiple construction locations, information relating to weld locations, welding parameters, and inspection status for individual welds. Welding information is stored within data stores and is retrieved on request to generate inspection reports containing weld locations, welding parameters, and inspection status for individual welds. Inspection reports can be delivered remotely to a plurality of electronic devices and may contain data from x-ray or ultrasound weld inspections. Weld location may be generated by GPS or by one or more location sensors. The system can receive updated inspection information and update the corresponding information in the data store. Inspection reports can incorporate welding information within a two-dimensional map or three-dimensional model of a construction location.

Abstract: An arc welding system includes a welding power supply. An auxiliary power supply supplies electrical energy to an auxiliary load. An engine-generator is connected to the welding power supply and auxiliary power supply. An engine starting battery is connected to the auxiliary power supply to supply electrical energy thereto during starting of the engine-generator. An auxiliary load sensor is configured to detect a presence of an electrical load on the auxiliary power supply. A speed sensor is configured to sense a speed of the engine-generator. A controller is configured to receive a signal indicating presence of the electrical load on the auxiliary power supply and a signal corresponding to speed of the engine-generator. When presence of the electrical load on the auxiliary power supply is detected, the controller starts the engine-generator, and after the engine-generator has reached a predetermined speed, switches the auxiliary power supply from the battery to the engine-generator.

Abstract: An electric arc generation device includes an internal combustion engine operatively coupled to a generator, an arc generation power supply powered by the generator, an ECU configured to control a maximum power output level of the engine according to one of a low power routine and a high power routine, and a position signal receiver operatively connected to the ECU. The position signal receiver is configured to receive a position signal, generate current position information based on the position signal, and provide the current position information to the ECU. The ECU is configured to compare the current position information to predetermined region data, and automatically switch from one of the high power routine and the low power routine to a different one of the high power routine and the low power routine based on a result of the comparing, to automatically control the maximum power output level of the engine.

Abstract: An arc welding system includes a welding power supply having a switching type power converter. A welding electrode is connected to the switching type power converter to receive electrical energy therefrom and produce an electric arc. A variable-frequency auxiliary power supply supplies electrical energy to an auxiliary load through an auxiliary power output of the arc welding system. An engine-generator is connected to the welding power supply and the variable-frequency auxiliary power supply, to supply electrical energy to the welding power supply to produce the arc, and to supply further electrical energy to the variable-frequency auxiliary power supply. A controller is operatively connected to the variable-frequency auxiliary power supply and is configured to control an output voltage frequency of the variable-frequency auxiliary power supply according to an auxiliary power supply frequency setting.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to engine driven welding systems and methods regulating an environmentally controlled electrode compartment within storage constraints to maintain electrode integrity regardless of environmental factors outside the container. Various sensors and controllers which directly or indirectly provide input to the engine of the engine driven welder are used to facilitate such regulation, which is conducted at least in part using the engine itself.

Abstract: A modular welding system which can switch between right-handed and left-handed wire feeders by use of the modular design and without having a duplicative dual feed system is disclosed. This aspect is applicable to robotic welding as well as boom-mounted welding operations.

Abstract: A power source system including plural power sources, wherein each of the plural power sources is adapted to provide a configurable power output to an implement, and wherein each of the plural power sources has an onboard controller; a central controller that is remote from the plural power sources; the central controller being in communication with respective onboard controllers via one or more networks, the central controller being adapted to communicate a signal to at least one onboard controller to selectively alter an operating condition of an associated power source.

Abstract: A lighter weight, more flexible coaxial welding cable assembly, and a system and method for constructing same. An embodiment of the coaxial welding cable assembly comprises a central electrical conductor length having a first cross-sectional area and a first insulating jacket surrounding the central electrical conductor length. The coaxial welding cable assembly also includes a plurality of peripheral electrical conductor lengths surrounding the insulated central electrical conductor length, where a total cross-sectional area of the plurality of peripheral electrical conductor lengths is approximately the same as the first cross-sectional area of the central electrical conductor length. The central electrical conductor length is electrically insulated from the plurality of peripheral electrical conductor lengths only by the first electrically insulating jacket.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for security features for a welding device in which functionality of the welding device can be limited or restricted due to an electronic signal between a lock component and an activation device. The activation device can be “paired” with the welding device, and in turn, the lock component, in which an electronic signal is communicated there between. Based upon whether the electronic signal is received by the lock component and the welding device, the lock device can be configured to de-activate or prevent a power supply (e.g., motor, generator, energy storage device, etc.) of the welding device from activating.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to starting and stopping an engine of an engine driven welder based on parameters related to the welder and parameters related to an environment in which the welder operates. In an embodiment, a method for managing a welder engine of an engine driven welder includes continuously monitoring welder parameters related to the engine driven welder, continuously monitoring environmental parameters influencing the welder engine, continuously calculating a restart value based at least in part on the engine parameters and the environmental parameters, continuously monitoring activity related to the engine to maintain an activity history, and stopping the engine based at least in part on the activity history and the restart value being outside a running range. Systems include components for accomplishing such aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to an apparatus for a welding operation having two or more welding tools and a switching device which directs the current to the appropriate welding device for a welding operation. One or more switch devices having two or more settings can be employed to control which device or devices receive current. Moreover, varying remote control techniques can be utilized to control a welding power source or other operatively coupled devices. Powered devices other than welding tools may be used with the switch in embodiments.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for welder system that relates to creating a welding sequence for a welding environment in which the welding sequence is based upon non-real time data collected from a welding procedure. Welding procedure information is collected and utilized to create a welding sequence to perform two or more welds in which at least one parameter is based on the collected welding procedure information (e.g., non-real world welding procedure).

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to an electric arc generation system providing a variable, allowable output used to form a weld or remove material for purposes of cutting or machining an object. Responsive to a condition of a power supply, the system itself, and/or an environment of the system, the system can determine a limit to an achievable output. The system can control at least one of a settable value for a output or generation of the output to enforce the limit.

Abstract: A fume reduction system includes an electric arc torch, a consumable wire electrode, an air quality sensor, and a power supply operatively connected to the electric arc torch and the air quality sensor. The air quality sensor monitors air quality near the electric arc torch and generates an air quality signal corresponding to the air quality. The power supply supplies electrical energy for generating the electrical arc and controls the wire feed speed of the consumable wire electrode. The power supply further receives the air quality signal and automatically reduces the wire feed speed from a first positive speed to a second positive speed based on the level of the air quality signal.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for a motor-driven welder assembly including a motor that is a power source that supplies a power output for the welding device or an equipment electrically coupled to the welding device; a mechanical lever that is moveable between two or more pre-defined locations, wherein each of the two or more pre-defined locations is associated with a type of a welding operation that corresponds to the power output for the welding operation and a polarity for the power output; and a user interface, on an exterior surface of the welding device, that is configured to display data and includes a label for each of the two or more pre-defined locations, wherein the label conveys the type of the welding operation, the power output for the welding operation, and the polarity for the power output.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to reducing magnetic interference between two or more arcs within a geographic proximity to one another performing a welding operation on a workpiece. In an embodiment, a first waveform used to create a first arc on the workpiece and a second waveform used to create a second arc on the workpiece can have a respective phase separated by a number of degrees. In an embodiment, a parameter of a waveform can be adjusted for one or more arcs that are within a geographic proximity to one another in order to avoid interference.

Abstract: An arc system is described which includes a power generator, a shielding gas source, a torch and a shielding gas monitor contained adjacent to or within the torch. The torch is connected to the power generator for producing an arc with a workpiece, is connected to the shielding gas source for providing shielding gas to an arc locations, and includes a flow sensor mounted within or adjacent the torch body for monitoring the flow of shielding gas through the torch and optimally providing feedback control of the shielding gas flow.