Abstract: A system and method is provided. In some embodiments, the system includes a first power supply that outputs a first welding current. The first power supply provides the first welding current via a torch to a first wire to create an arc between the first wire and the workpiece. The system also includes a first wire feeder that feeds the first wire to the torch, and a second wire feeder that feeds a second wire to a contact tube. The system further includes a second power supply that outputs a heating current during a first mode of operation and a second welding current during a second mode of operation. The system also includes a controller that switches the second power supply from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation to create a second (trailing) arc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing controlled AC TIG arc welding processes is provided. In AC TIG arc welding power source embodiments, configurations of main and auxiliary bridge circuits allow for the directional switching of the output welding current through the welding output circuit path and selectively provide one or more high impedance paths to rapidly decay the arc current. The high impedance path aids in the low spatter transfer of molten metal balls from consumable to a workpiece, via an arc generated by a tungsten electrode, and further aids in the maintaining or the re-establishing of an arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece during welding.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for creating a welding process in the form of a succession of AC waveforms between a particular type of cored electrode, with a sheath and core, and a workpiece by a power source comprising a high frequency switching device for creating the individual waveforms in the succession of waveforms, each waveform having a profile is formed by the magnitude of each of a large number of short current pulses generated at a frequency of at least 18 kHz where the profile is determined by the input signal to a wave shaper controlling the short current pulses; a circuit to create a profile signal indicative of the particular type of electrode; and a select circuit to select the input signal based upon the profile signal whereby the wave shaper causes the power source to create a specific waveform profile for the particular type of cored electrode.

Abstract: A electric welding machine having an auxiliary power output, and a method for controlling the auxiliary power output on a welding machine is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a main transformer having a first secondary winding in circuit communication with a welder power output and a second secondary winding in circuit communication with an auxiliary power supply having an auxiliary power output. The auxiliary power supply includes an input for monitoring the welder power output to determine if the welder power output is on; circuitry for determining whether a surge or spike in demand is present at the auxiliary power output; and circuitry for limiting the available power to the auxiliary power output if certain conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A method and a system to increase heat input to a weld during an arc welding process. A series of electric arc pulses are generated between an advancing welding electrode and a metal workpiece using an electric arc welding system capable of generating an electric welding waveform to produce the electric arc pulses. A cycle of the electric welding waveform includes a pinch current phase providing an increasing pinch current level, a peak current phase providing a peak current level, a tail-out current phase providing a decreasing tail-out current level, and a background current phase providing a background current level. At least one heat-increasing current pulse of the cycle is generated, providing a heat-increasing current level, during the background current phase, where the heat-increasing current level is above the background current level. The cycle of the electric welding waveform with the at least one heat-increasing current pulse may be repeated until the arc welding process is completed.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a welding or cladding operation is provided which using multiple consumables in a single operation, where the overall heat input is reduced. Each of the consumables can be deposited into a single molten puddle, where the total energy input to the puddle from trailing consumables is less than that of a leading consumable. Further embodiments can use more than one molten puddle, but the energy input by the leading consumable is still higher than that of trailing consumables.

Abstract: A torch for connection to an electric arc welding system having a wire feeder, a power source and a weld process controller for the power source. The torch being connected to the front end of a welding gun, which gun has a rear end with a first unique component of a connector. The welding system has a second component of the connector matching the first component. The gun has a communication channel extending from the torch to the first component for transmitting data to the welding system through the connector. The torch has a memory with an identification code outputted on the communication channel to the first component and the system has a decoder circuit connected to the second component and responsive to a selected identification code.

Abstract: An embodiment of a multiple axis positioner comprises a main headstock that has a main hollow bore. A main indexing table is attached to the main headstock. The main indexing table has a through-hole near the its center. The through-hole aligns or is substantially coaxial with the main hollow bore of the main headstock. The embodiment of the multiple axis positioner further includes at least three minor headstocks mounted to the main indexing table. The at least three minor headstocks have minor hollow bores.

Abstract: A system and method of hybrid welding a dual fillet weld. The system includes a laser system that leads a first torch and preheats at least one workpiece. The system also includes a first welding power supply that supplies a first welding waveform to a first wire via the first torch. The first welding waveform creates a first arc between the first wire and the at least one workpiece. The system further includes a second welding power supply that supplies a second welding waveform to a second wire via a second torch. The second welding waveform creates a second arc between the second wire and the at least one workpiece. A controller in the system is operatively coupled to the first power supply, the second power supply and the laser system. The controller synchronizes the first welding waveform and the second welding waveform such that welding current pulses of the second welding waveform at the second torch are not in phase with welding current pulses of the first welding waveform at the first torch.

Abstract: A shipping package includes a can body having an interior volume and at least one closable end, an end closure closably engaging the closable end of the can body having a recessed portion adapted to fit within a portion of the can body adjacent the closable end, and a disposable reinforcing member corresponding to at least a portion of the recessed portion of the end closure secured adjacent to an exterior surface of the recessed portion.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed wheel assembly which has been welding autogenously is provided, along with a method and system for welding the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly is made up of at least two components which are laser welded to each other without the use of filler material to create a hermetically sealed wheel assembly.

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 arc 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.

Abstract: A system and method to clad a surface of a pipe using a high intensity energy source and a hot wire consumable, where the hot wire consumable is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the consumable in a molten puddle while preventing the creation of an arc between the consumable and the puddle.

Abstract: A tractor unit mounting mechanism includes a clamping assembly that is configured to engage and disengage a tractor unit to a guide track. The guide track includes a first rail and a second rail. The mounting assembly also includes at least one pivot block set that has a first pivot block and a second pivot block. Each of the first pivot block and the second pivot block includes a first rolling device and a second rolling device. When the tractor unit is in a disengaged position, a first distance between an outer portion of the first rail and an outer portion of the second rail is greater than a second distance between the first rolling devices of the at least one pivot block set, and the first distance is less than a third distance between the second rolling devices of the at least one pivot block set.

Abstract: A travel drive gear engagement mechanism for a tractor unit includes a clutch lever that has a cam portion. The clutch lever is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position at a point that is offset from a center of an elongated portion of the cam portion. The engagement mechanism also includes a connecting member that operatively connects the cam portion of the clutch lever to a drive gear of a tractor unit. The connecting member is operatively connected to the cam portion at the offset point. The clutch level and connecting member are configured such that the drive gear engages a track gear when the clutch lever is in the first position and disengages from the track gear when the clutch lever is in the second position.

Abstract: A tractor unit mounting mechanism includes a clamping assembly that is configured to engage and disengage the tractor unit to a track guide. The tractor unit includes at least two pivot blocks with each pivot block including at least one rolling device and a locking mechanism. The at least one rolling device is designed to roll on a rail of the guide track. The clamping assembly is configured to operatively connect the at least one rolling device with the guide track when the tractor unit is engaged. The pivot block is configured to pivot such that the at least one rolling device can conform to a profile, e.g., a concave profile, convex profile, a straight profile, or any combination thereof, of the guide track as the tractor unit is engaging the guide track. The locking mechanism, e.g., a bushing, is configured to prevent the pivot block from pivoting once the tractor unit has engaged to the guide track.

Abstract: A tractor unit system includes a tractor unit that has a travel drive gear. The travel drive gear includes a drive gear portion and at least one drive roller portion. The system also includes a guide track that has a track gear. The track gear includes a track gear portion and at least one land portion. The at least one drive roller portion and the at least one land portion are configured such that the at least one drive roller portion contacts the at least one land portion when the drive gear portion is engaged to the track gear portion. In some embodiments, a diameter of the at least one drive roller portion is equal to a pitch diameter of the drive gear portion. If the track gear portion is curved, in some embodiments a diameter of the at least one land portion equals a pitch diameter of the track gear portion. In other embodiments, if the track gear portion is straight, a dimension of the at least one land portion equals a pitch line of the track gear portion.

Abstract: A lead/lag torch angle adjustment system for a weld held. The weld head device includes a torch head assembly that includes an electrode. The weld head device also includes a support device that supports the torch head assembly and a barrel assembly that is operatively connected to the torch head assembly and the support device. The barrel assembly is configured to change at least one of a lead angle and a lag angle of the electrode with respect to a workpiece. The barrel assembly includes an adjustment mechanism that includes a first section that is operatively connected to the torch head assembly. The adjustment mechanism also includes a second section that is configured to accept the mount plate. The barrel assembly also includes a mount plate that is operatively connected to the support device and at least one barrel clamp. The barrel clamp is configured to attach to the mount plate and also configured to accept the second section.

Abstract: A weld head angle adjustment system includes a weld head, a base unit, and an angle adjustment mechanism. The weld head includes a welding torch and an arc voltage control assembly that is operatively connected to the welding torch and configured to move the welding torch. The angle adjustment mechanism is operatively connects the weld head to the base unit and is designed to change an angle between the welding torch and the base unit while ensuring that an orientation between the welding torch and the arc voltage control assembly remains fixed as the angle between the welding torch and the base unit is changed. In some embodiments, the angle adjustment mechanism includes a bolt that connects the weld head to the base unit. The angle adjustment mechanism is configured such that the angle between the welding torch and the base unit can be adjusted when the bolt is in a first state and the angle is fixed when the bolt is in a second state.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for welder system that associates a set of data to a portion of data collected by a welder power source based on a first indicia and a second indicia. The welder system includes an input device that collects a first input based on the first indicia to identify a type of the set of data and a welder power source to relate the set of data. Moreover, the input device collects a second input based on the second indicia that indicates a location for the set of data. Based on the first indicia and the second indicia, the set of data can be associated with a welder power source or a portion of data collected by the welder power source.