Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for evaluating one or more conditions or preliminary weld condition related to a welding system and/or method that utilizes a welding sequence to perform two or more welds with respective welding schedules. In an embodiment, an operator registration is provided that verifies the operator and identifies welding sequences to which the operator is authorized to perform. In another embodiment, one or more fixture locations are monitored to determine whether a workpiece is accurately configured prior to a welding operation. In still another embodiment, locations on a workpiece can be displayed to assist an operator in performing two or more welds utilizing a welding sequence. Moreover, a wireless system communications a data signal to a welding work cell in which such data is used to identify a welding sequence.

Abstract: An electronic locking differential includes a lock ring and a coil that moves the lock ring to engage gears of the electronic locking differential, an energy storage capacitor that powers the coil during at least a portion of engagement of the lock ring with the gears, and a controller. The controller charges the energy storage capacitor to a first predefined voltage prior to the engagement.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for evaluating one or more conditions or preliminary weld condition related to a welding system and/or method that utilizes a welding sequence to perform two or more welds with respective welding schedules. In an embodiment, an operator registration is provided that verifies the operator and identifies welding sequences to which the operator is authorized to perform. In another embodiment, one or more fixture locations are monitored to determine whether a workpiece is accurately configured prior to a welding operation. In still another embodiment, locations on a workpiece can be displayed to assist an operator in performing two or more welds utilizing a welding sequence. Moreover, a wireless system communications a data signal to a welding work cell in which such data is used to identify a welding sequence.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle cameras for monitoring off-road terrain. An example vehicle includes cameras to capture images of terrain, a display, and a controller. The controller is to stitch the images together into an overhead image of the terrain, create an interface that overlays a vehicle outline onto the overhead image, and present the interface via the display. The controller also is to detect, based upon the images, a highest portion of the terrain beneath the vehicle and animate the highest portion of the terrain within the interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a welding output waveform based on characterizing a welding circuit output path with respect to its electrical characteristics. At least one electrical characteristic (e.g., inductance, resistance) of a welding output circuit path connected to a welding power source is determined. A welding output waveform is selected from a plurality of welding output waveforms based on the determined electrical characteristics. As a result, the selected welding output waveform is matched to the welding output circuit path electrical characteristics to provide superior welding performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a welding output waveform based on characterizing a welding circuit output path with respect to its electrical characteristics. At least one electrical characteristic (e.g., inductance, resistance) of a welding output circuit path connected to a welding power source is determined. A welding output waveform is selected from a plurality of welding output waveforms based on the determined electrical characteristics. As a result, the selected welding output waveform is matched to the welding output circuit path electrical characteristics to provide superior welding performance.

Abstract: A method providing a welding apparatus configured to supply a welding wire to a welding gun and a welding system implementing the same is described. The welding gun has a trigger and an opening where the welding wire extends when the trigger is activated. The method also has a computer with a user interface that includes an automatic wire retract program, the program dynamically adjusting the amount of welding wire retraction based at least upon one of the following: welding are current, welding wire size, welding wire speed and burnback time. The program monitors the welding gun and determines when the trigger is disabled. The program indicates when a first condition is satisfied and retracts the welding wire so the welding wire preferably does not extend (or minimally extends—or may be at least partially recessed within the tip) from the opening of the welding gun nozzle tip. The system and method also includes an ability to stop advancement or retraction of the wire to prevent damage.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid welding process. An integrated hybrid welding power source includes a first power supply for providing a first welding output and a second power supply for providing a second welding output. The first power supply and the second power supply are operatively connected to coordinate the first welding output with the second welding output in real time while operating concurrently.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for evaluating one or more conditions or preliminary weld condition related to a welding system and/or method that utilizes a welding sequence to perform two or more welds with respective welding schedules. In an embodiment, an operator registration is provided that verifies the operator and identifies welding sequences to which the operator is authorized to perform. In another embodiment, one or more fixture locations are monitored to determine whether a workpiece is accurately configured prior to a welding operation. In still another embodiment, locations on a workpiece can be displayed to assist an operator in performing two or more welds utilizing a welding sequence. Moreover, a wireless system communications a data signal to a welding work cell in which such data is used to identify a welding sequence.

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 real time data collected from a performed or previously performed 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., real world welding procedure).

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 a system and method for performing a welding operation that is controlled in part by a welding sequence. An input component is provided that receives an input from an operator during a performance of a welding operation in which the input allows control of the welding operation or feedback from the welding operation. In an embodiment, the input component is incorporated or affixed to equipment of the operator. An Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag is further utilized to control use of a welding sequence based on wireless data communicated between the RFID tag and an RFID component.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for collecting one or more welding parameters or a weld time during creation of one or more welds using a welding sequence. The one or more welding parameters and/or weld time for each welding sequence is utilized to determine an estimation of consumable depletion for a welding work cell and/or a repair/service to perform on equipment within the welding work cell. Furthermore, the weld time and/or welding parameters can be utilized to manage inventory for a plurality of welding work cells within a welding environment. Other embodiments provided track a cost for a performance of a weld with a welding sequence as well as identifying a workpiece to communicate information related to the one or more welds used for assembly.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for collecting one or more welding parameters in real time during creation of one or more welds using a welding sequence. The one or more welding parameters can be associated with a particular welding sequence. Moreover, based on the one or more welding parameters collected, a modeled welding parameter can be generated to increase quality, efficiency, and the like. A collection component collects real time welding parameter data from which a quality manager component creates a modeled welding parameter. The modeled welding parameter can be employed for the welding sequence to monitor or track the welding parameter during a subsequent weld.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a welding output waveform based on characterizing a welding circuit output path with respect to its electrical characteristics. At least one electrical characteristic (e.g., inductance, resistance) of a welding output circuit path connected to a welding power source is determined. A welding output waveform is selected from a plurality of welding output waveforms based on the determined electrical characteristics. As a result, the selected welding output waveform is matched to the welding output circuit path electrical characteristics to provide superior welding performance.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid welding process. An integrated hybrid welding power source includes a first power supply for providing a first welding output and a second power supply for providing a second welding output. The first power supply and the second power supply are operatively connected to coordinate the first welding output with the second welding output in real time while operating concurrently.

Abstract: A power retractable trailer hitch for a vehicle can include a hitch assembly movably coupled to an external case or support member, and a power actuator engaging the hitch assembly. The power actuator can be operable to move the hitch assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A controller can be operable to control activation of the power actuator. An interlock can be provided requiring a transmission of the vehicle to be in a parked position before the controller can be operable to move the hitch assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. A locking member can be operable by the controller to move between a locked position and a released position with respect to the hitch assembly. The locking member can be operable to be in a locked position, when the hitch assembly is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position, and in a released position, when the hitch assembly is in transition between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An ambient light based illumination control system for motor vehicles. The system incorporates an ambient light sensor and provides control signals for controlling headlamp illumination and illumination of interior instrument panel lighting. The control system provides a variation of intensities for instrument panel lighting in transient ambient light conditions. The system may further be integrated into systems including navigation displays or other vehicle displays to provide adjustments for such displays in response to varying ambient light levels.

Abstract: Welding systems and programming tools are described, in which a touch screen-based welding system configuration tool is provided having a touch screen display for designing welding power source waveforms or for configuring a system sequence controller, where the touch screen may be integrated into a welding system component. The touch screen displays information related to a switching type welding power source and/or a welding system sequence controller, as well as one or more touch activation indicia to allow a user to numerically or graphically configure the power source or the sequence controller by touching the touch activation indicia.

Abstract: A power retractable trailer hitch for a vehicle can include a hitch assembly movably coupled to an external case or support member, and a power actuator engaging the hitch assembly. The power actuator can be operable to move the hitch assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A controller can be operable to control activation of the power actuator. An interlock can be provided requiring a transmission of the vehicle to be in a parked position before the controller can be operable to move the hitch assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. A locking member can be operable by the controller to move between a locked position and a released position with respect to the hitch assembly. The locking member can be operable to be in a locked position, when the hitch assembly is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position, and in a released position, when the hitch assembly is in transition between the extended position and the retracted position.