Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed relating to welding-type systems that automatically detect when a wire spool is emptied of welding wire. This may help to alert an operator to an issue that might negatively impact the welding-type operation. Additionally, the systems detect when the wire spool is emptied of welding wire using wire feeder parameters that are already relied upon for control and/or protection of the wire feeder, thereby omitting the need for extra (and/or expensive) components.

Abstract: An example welding-type system includes: processing circuitry; and a machine readable storage medium comprising a machine readable instruction, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: control a first switch to disconnect a motor circuit from a motor power source, the motor circuit comprising a wire feed motor and a second switch; control the second switch to permit current to flow while the first switch disconnects the motor circuit from the motor power source during a test period; and in response to feedback indicative of a current through the motor circuit while the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, detecting a fault condition associated with the motor circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for mitigating audible noise generated by a welding-type power supply are disclosed. In some examples, the switching frequency of the welding-type power supply may be changed to a frequency that is outside the audible range for humans. This strategy takes advantage of the fact that the observed audible noise is generated by vibrating components within the welding-type power supply that vibrate at a frequency related to the switching frequency. Other noise mitigation strategies include dithering and deactivation of portions of the welding-type power supply that vibrate to generate the audible noise.

Abstract: Disclosed example welding power systems and methods monitor supply power inputs from a primary power source. The supply power is compared to current and/or power threshold values corresponding to limits associated with the primary power source. If the supply power exceeds a threshold value associated with the limits, the welding power system controls welding parameters or devices to adjust a supply power demand, thereby ensuring the draw on supply power does not exceed the capabilities of the power source. In some examples, the disclosed welding power system presents a subset of welding parameters identified as available for operation based on the capabilities of the power source. The user interface displays only the subset of available welding parameters to an operator for selection, thereby ensuring the draw on supply power does not exceed the capabilities of the power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for support of low-power operation in training modes in welding machines.

Abstract: An example welding-type system includes: processing circuitry; and a machine readable storage medium comprising a machine readable instruction, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: control a first switch to disconnect a motor circuit from a motor power source, the motor circuit comprising a wire feed motor and a second switch; control the second switch to permit current to flow while the first switch disconnects the motor circuit from the motor power source during a test period; and in response to feedback indicative of a current through the motor circuit while the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, detecting a fault condition associated with the motor circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce magnetic flux in a switched mode power supply are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a switched mode power supply, comprising: a transformer configured to transform an input voltage to a welding-type voltage; a capacitor in series with a primary winding of the transformer; switches configured to control a voltage applied to a series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the capacitor; a comparator coupled to the transformer and configured to compare the welding-type output voltage to a threshold voltage; and a flux accumulator to determine a net flux in the transformer based on the voltage applied to the series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the capacitor.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for mitigating audible noise generated by a welding-type power supply are disclosed. In some examples, the switching frequency of the welding-type power supply may be changed to a frequency that is outside the audible range for humans. This strategy takes advantage of the fact that the observed audible noise is generated by vibrating components within the welding-type power supply that vibrate at a frequency related to the switching frequency. Other noise mitigation strategies include dithering and deactivation of portions of the welding-type power supply that vibrate to generate the audible noise.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce magnetic flux in a switched mode power supply are disclosed.