Abstract: An engine-driven welder generator is controlled based upon power draw for welding and other applications. Once a welding arc is initiated, the power draw is monitored. The engine speed, and therefore the power output of the generator, may be increased or maintained based upon the power draw. The power draw may include both welding power draw and auxiliary power draw. The engine speed is increased in increments. The initial engine speed and subsequent increments may depend upon particular welding processes or regimes.

Abstract: A welding system is provided that includes an engine, a compressor coupled to the engine, and a regulator coupled to the compressor and located on a control panel. Another welding system is provided that includes an engine, a compressor coupled to the engine and a monitor circuit configured to monitor the duration of operation of the compressor by monitoring engagement of the clutch. A pressure gauge configured to be coupled to a compressor is also provided.

Abstract: A service pack for a work vehicle provides service systems, which may include an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump and an air compressor. The service pack is driven by an engine separate from that of the vehicle. Integration of the support systems for the vehicle engine and service engine may be provided. The service pack allows the vehicle engine to be shut down when at a service location, with the service pack engine alone providing the necessary electrical, hydraulic and compressed air services for maintenance and other service work.

Abstract: A remote drain and filter arrangement for a portable engine-driven generator is disclosed that positions the oil filter and oil drain at a location outside the enclosure of the generator. The arrangement generally consists of an oil filter assembly and oil drain assembly. The oil filter assembly includes an oil filter adapter used to interface with the oil filter and is coupled to the engine via oil conduits. The oil drain assembly includes an oil drain conduit and a flow control device that allows the oil to be drained from a location outside of the enclosure of the generator. A pump can be used to allow for sufficiently longer oil conduits. The invention is retrofittable to current engine-driven generators and can also be incorporated into future designs.

Abstract: A welding system is provided that includes an engine, a compressor coupled to the engine, and a regulator coupled to the compressor and located on a control panel. Another welding system is provided that includes an engine, a compressor coupled to the engine and a monitor circuit configured to monitor the duration of operation of the compressor by monitoring engagement of the clutch. A pressure gauge configured to be coupled to a compressor is also provided.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, may include an engine, a compressor coupled to the engine, and an oil fill assembly coupled to the compressor. The oil fill assembly relocates an oil fill location from a bottom region of the compressor to a top region of the compressor. A system, in other embodiments, may include a compressor retrofit kit. The kit may include a first tube configured to couple with a drain or an existing oil fill disposed in a base region of a compressor. The kit also may include a second tube coupled to the first tube, wherein the second tube is configured to couple with a vent in the compressor. The kit may include a relocated oil fill section coupled to the first tube, the second tube, or a combination thereof. A system having a compressor retrofit kit attached to the case of the compressor is also provided.

Abstract: A welding-type apparatus has a control panel with enhanced viewability. The control panel may include LEDs, backlit LCDs, and other light-emitting indicators whose viewability by a user is enhanced when the control panel is subjected to relatively intense ambient light, such as direct sunlight. The control panel includes light reflecting, light refracting, light filtering, and/or light absorbing components to enhance the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting indicators relative to ambient light incident thereon.

Abstract: A service pack for a work vehicle provides service systems, which may include an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump and an air compressor. The service pack is driven by an engine separate from that of the vehicle. Integration of the support systems for the vehicle engine and service engine may be provided. The service pack allows the vehicle engine to be shut down when at a service location, with the service pack engine alone providing the necessary electrical, hydraulic and compressed air services for maintenance and other service work.

Abstract: A remote drain and filter arrangement for a portable engine-driven generator is disclosed that positions the oil filter and oil drain at a location outside the enclosure of the generator. The arrangement generally consists of an oil filter assembly and oil drain assembly. The oil filter assembly includes an oil filter adapter used to interface with the oil filter and is coupled to the engine via oil conduits. The oil drain assembly includes an oil drain conduit and a flow control device that allows the oil to be drained from a location outside of the enclosure of the generator. A pump can be used to allow for sufficiently longer oil conduits. The invention is retrofittable to current engine-driven generators and can also be incorporated into future designs.

Abstract: A low fuel shut off for a portable engine-driven welder is disclosed that disables the engine when the fuel level drops below a desired level. The system includes a controller configured to receive the current fuel level signal from a fuel sensor positioned in or near the fuel tank. The controller is connected to a maintenance display that may include a fuel gauge, a visual alarm, and an audible alarm. The controller regulates the fuel supply by actuating a valve and closing the valve when the fuel level drops below the desired level. The low fuel shut off works in conjunction with a visual and/or an audible alarm alerting the operator before and/or after the engine is disabled. The controller is configured to receive data from other engine sensors and can disable the engine if the parameters reach a specified level.

Abstract: A multifunction meter and method for monitoring a welding-type device is disclosed. The multifunction meter has a single display unit, a first input configured to receive feedback from an engine, and a second input configured to receive feedback from a power converter. The engine is configured to deliver power to the power converter which is configured to deliver a welding-type power to a welding-type apparatus. A processing unit is connected to the single display unit, the first input, and the second input, and processes the feedback from the engine and the feedback from the power converter and displays data indicative of engine operation and power output of the power converter on the single display unit.

Abstract: An engine driven welder-type device and method of powering an accessory are disclosed. The device has an engine coupled to a power converter constructed to generate an electrical power suitable for welding applications. The device also provides a relatively uniform power to an auxiliary outlet across a wide range of engine speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the engine speed of a welding generator is disclosed. A first time delay permits the engine to warm up sufficiently at a run speed before switching the engine speed to an idle speed. A second time delay permits continuous operation of the engine at the run speed during brief interruptions in the demand for output power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the engine speed of a welding generator is disclosed. A first time delay permits the engine to warm up sufficiently at a run speed before switching the engine speed to an idle speed. A second time delay permits continuous operation of the engine at the run speed during brief interruptions in the demand for output power.