Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing welding wire for a spool gun type welding torch. In particular, the disclosed system allows conversion of the spool gun type welding torch from a small wire spool (e.g., a one pound spool) to a much larger (e.g., 16 pound spool), enhancing efficiency, reducing set-up time relative to welding.

Abstract: A welding implement and a method of extracting heat from a welding implement are disclosed. The welding implement includes one or more heat pipes which transfer thermal energy away from the torch head. A fluid, such as a shielding gas, may then convectively transfer the thermal energy away from the welding implement. The present invention thus provides a handheld welding implement that is compact, such that it can be used in confined spaces, and operated for longer periods of time, since the improved heat dissipation helps to maintain the welding implement at a temperature that an operator may hold.

Abstract: A welding implement and a method of extracting heat from a welding implement are disclosed. The welding implement includes one or more heat pipes which transfer thermal energy away from the torch head. A fluid, such as a shielding gas, may then convectively transfer the thermal energy away from the welding implement. The present invention thus provides a handheld welding implement that is compact, such that it can be used in confined spaces, and operated for longer periods of time, since the improved heat dissipation helps to maintain the welding implement at a temperature that an operator may hold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding includes one or more of a welding type power source, a feedback circuit, a wire feeder and a controller. The controller preferably has an eta control circuit responsive to the feedback. It also has a control loop having a response time responsive to the eta output. The controller detects whether or not the process is a fast-tack process, and controls the supply of power according to a first control scheme is the process is a fast-tack process, and according to a second control scheme if the process is not a fast-tack process. The controller sets the run-in wire feed speed as a percentage of weld wire feed speed, preferably obtaining the percentage from the weld wire feed speed potentiometer at start up. The controller enters a calibration mode at start up if a calibration pendant is attached and on. In the calibration mode calibration receiving values from the front panel potentiometers.

Abstract: A system for shipping perishable product in a controlled atmosphere environment, by means of various transport containers and/or vehicles. Quantifies of the product are placed in flexible containers or bags having a controlled atmosphere inlet and a gas outlet, to form shipping units. The shipping units are placed in a containing section of the transport vehicle or structure, and the individual shipping units are supplied with the controlled atmosphere gas from a suitable gas source or sources having a gas regulator or regulators. During shipment and storage, controlled atmosphere gas is directed into the shipping units as needed to maintain the proper atmosphere within the shipping units. When arriving at a destination, the quantities of perishable product are either removed from the shipping units, or kept in the shipping units for further storage and/or shipment.