Abstract: A system for controlling a welding operation provides for open-loop control of voltage applied to a wire electrode during an initial arc initiation stage of operation. The voltage may be based upon an operator set voltage. Electrode wire feed speeds may be varied during the same period. The voltage may be changed, but still open-loop controlled after initial contact between the electrode and a workpiece. The control transitions from open-loop to closed loop following the arc initiation stage, which may be a fixed interval or varied based upon various factors. Closed-loop voltage control then ensues, in which voltage may be limited to values based upon the initial open-loop voltage. The voltage may be regulated by control of SCR firing angles, such as by reference to a zero-crossing of an input AC waveform.

Abstract: A gas cylinder assembly for welding-type devices includes a gas cylinder having a neck portion, a base portion, and a body portion enclosing a cavity and constructed to receive a gas therein. The gas cylinder is configured to be enclosed in a welding-type device. A valve is disposed about the neck portion of the gas cylinder and is operatively separates the cavity from the atmosphere. The valve is operably engageable by a regulator constructed to allow flow of the gas therethrough.

Abstract: A welding system is disclosed in which the rate of advancement of wire electrode is determined automatically. The device can include a control circuit that determines the rate of advancement of the wire electrode in response to a signal from the voltage selection device of the welding system. Depending upon the operator selected voltage which is selected via the voltage selection device, the control circuit will determine the appropriate rate of wire electrode advancement and control the advancement mechanism (e.g., electric motor) accordingly. Linking of the voltage level and wire-feed speed controls facilities easy of use for more novice operators and, furthermore, facilitates single-handed adjustment of two operational parameters during a welding process.

Abstract: A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes.

Abstract: A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes.

Abstract: A welding-type device and gas system for use therewith are disclosed. The gas system of the welding-type device includes a canister that is constructed to contain a shielding gas therein and is connectable to the welding-type device. The canister is sized to be mounted to the welding-type device when it is attached thereto such that the welding-type device can be efficiently and conveniently transported from one location to another with the source of shielding gas securely affixed thereto.

Abstract: A gas bottle for welding-type devices, a shielding gas system, and a method for providing shielding gas to a weld are disclosed. The gas bottle has a valve constructed to be connected to a welding-type device and is preferably formed to fit within a cavity of a welding-type device. The gas bottle is constructed to provide shielding gas to the welding-type device immediately upon connection of the gas bottle to the welding-type device thereby eliminating a manual valve.

Abstract: A wire feeder and gas system for use therewith is shown. The gas system of the wire feeder includes a canister that is constructed to contain a shielding gas therein and is connectable to the wire feeder. The canister is supported by the wire feeder when it is connected thereto such that the wire feeder can be efficiently and conveniently transported from one location to another with the source of shielding gas securely connected thereto.