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: A weld cable connector system that includes a first terminal and a terminal protection system. The first terminal includes a first lock feature. The first terminal is configured to couple with a welding component and to conduct a welding power. The terminal protection system includes a cap, a base coupled to the first terminal, and a tether coupled to the base and to the cap. The cap includes a first mating lock feature. The cap is configured to removably couple with the first terminal in a first locking position to separate the first terminal from an external environment. The first mating lock feature is configured to interface with the first lock feature.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that monitors a characteristic of a welding gun connected to a wire feeder and, based on the detected characteristic, automatically determines the type of gun connected and sets operating parameters of the wire feeder and/or welding gun accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for a welding-type wire feeder. The feeder includes at least one electronically commutated motor (ECM) configured to deliver a consumable for a welding-type process. The feeder includes a controller configured to electronically commutate the at least one ECM so as to precisely perform push and pull functions, speed and acceleration control, and wire reversal.

Abstract: A system and method of duplicating CV mode of operation with a CC power includes a wire feeder designed to automatically adjust the speed of which consumable wire is delivered to a weld so as to maintain a target voltage set by a user. The wire feeder is designed to be operational on a CC power source yet automatically adjust the WFS so that a user-selected target voltage is maintained at the weld. A controller within the wire feeder is programmed to read an input from the user to the wire feeder identifying a target voltage and control the speed by which a drive assembly delivers metal filler to the weld based on the target voltage. By automatically adjusting the WFS, the user is not required to manually adjust the WFS to maintain the target voltage at the weld.

Abstract: A system and method of duplicating CV mode of operation with a CC power includes a wire feeder designed to automatically adjust the speed of which consumable wire is delivered to a weld so as to maintain a target voltage set by a user. The wire feeder is designed to be operational on a CC power source yet automatically adjust the WFS at a rate of adjustment based on initial WFS so that a user-selected target voltage is maintained at the weld. A controller within the wire feeder is programmed to read an input from the user to the wire feeder identifying a target voltage, determine the rate of adjustment, and control the speed by which a drive assembly delivers metal filler to the weld based on the target voltage. By automatically adjusting the WFS, the user is not required to manually adjust the WFS to maintain the target voltage at the weld.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that monitors a characteristic of a welding gun connected to a wire feeder and, based on the detected characteristic, automatically determines the type of gun connected and sets operating parameters of the wire feeder and/or welding gun accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing a power cable from a power source to a wire feeder of a welding system. The wire feeder includes an inlet configured to receive a de-sheathed portion of the power cable. A frame includes at least one cavity and, preferably, a pair of cavities coaxial with respect to one another and orthogonal with respect to the inlet are provided. The first cavity has a securing mechanism such as a stud or setscrew disposed therein such that the securing mechanism engages a portion of the de-sheathed cable. The securing mechanism engages the power cable to lodge a portion of the power cable within the second cavity thereby creating a secure attachment of the power cable to the wire feeder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, preferably phase controlled, a controller and a robotic interface. The components are in a single housing. the controller is externally controlled. An adaptor cord connects a robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, a controller and a robotic interface. The controller includes, in a single housing, a robot-type detector and at least one power control output connected to the power supply. The robot-type detector is connected to the robot interface. An adaptor cord connects the robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, preferably phase controlled, a controller and a robotic interface. The components are in a single housing. the controller is externally controlled. An adaptor cord connects a robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, a controller and a robotic interface. The controller includes, in a single housing, a robot-type detector and at least one power control output connected to the power supply. The robot-type detector is connected to the robot interface. An adaptor cord connects the robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The welding system includes a power supply and a controller. The power supply has a control input and a power output. The controller has a control output connected to the controller. It also has two feedback inputs connected to two sources of feedback of a welding parameter. A dynamic feedback source selector is connected to the two sources of feedback. A feedback source user indicator is connected to and responsive to the dynamic feedback source selector. The method includes providing and controlling welding power. Feedback of a welding parameter is sensed from two sources. The source to be used to control the power supply is dynamically selected. Also, and indication is provided to the user if the source of feedback selected changes.