Abstract: In one aspect, a power connect device receives ac line voltage and provides ac load voltage to a load device. In one embodiment, the power connect device includes: a connect panel, a transformer circuit, a high voltage relay, a rectifier, and a voltage protection circuit. In one aspect, the transformer circuit includes first, second, and third transformers each with a primary winding, a high voltage secondary winding, and a low voltage secondary winding. In several embodiments, methods protect the load device from an over or under voltage conditions on the ac load voltage using the power connect device. The power connect device is reconfigurable for three phase and single phase operation. The power connect device is also reconfigurable for multiple line voltage levels.

Abstract: A portable welding cell unit includes a frame structure in which first and second welding stations are disposed. A robot arm is also provided within the frame. The robot arm can pivot between the first and second welding stations such that a work piece can be welded in the first welding station while a work piece is being loaded into or unloaded from the second welding station.

Abstract: An electric arc welder comprising a power source driven by a main input transformer with a secondary winding creating an output pulsating current across the electrode and workpiece of a welding operation is provided with a background current circuit including a full-wave rectifier with AC input and a rectified DC output connected in parallel with the power source across the welding operation wherein the full-wave rectifier is connected in parallel with the secondary winding.

Abstract: A mechanical power switch for selectively connecting a power source to an input power supply where the power source has an override circuit to deactivate the power source when in a first condition and allowing activation of the power source when in a second condition. The power switch has electrical contacts movable between an open condition with the power source electrically disconnected from the power supply and a closed condition with the power source electrically connected to the power supply and an operating lever movable between a first position with the switch in the open condition and a second position with the switch in the closed condition. An auxiliary switch in said override circuit has a movable element with a first orientation to shift the override circuit into the first deactivate condition and a second orientation to shift the override circuit into the second activate condition.

Abstract: A protection device for use on a dual stage power supply for passing a current from first and second paths in unison across an electrode and a workpiece of an electric arc welder. The device includes a resistor connected between generally identical voltage points in the first and second paths, whereby current flows through the resistor based upon the difference in the voltage of the points, a thermostat mounted adjacent the resistor with the thermostat having a known temperature at which the thermostat is tripped and a circuit to provide a signal when said thermostat is tripped to the signal can shut down the power supply until it is reset.

Abstract: A control pedal for a welder that controls the output current level of the welder. The control pedal includes a foot pedal, a start switch, and a current level controller. The foot pedal is movable between an off position, an intermediate position, and a fully on position. The start switch initiates a startup sequence for the welder. The current level controller produces a signal that causes the output current level of the welder to vary between a minimum and a maximum current level. The foot pedal causes the start switch to begin the startup sequence prior to the foot pedal causing the current level controller to generate a signal which results in the output current level increasing above the minimum current level.

Abstract: A DC TIG welder operable at a set low current level under about 5 amperes in a welding circuit including an electrode separated from a workpiece by a gap, the welder having an output welding current adjustable above the low current and driven by a constant current power supply with a first rectifier having an output current controlled by the firing phase of SCRs in an SCR network, a second rectifier settable at the low current and a sensor for sensing arc voltage. The welder further comprises: a circuit to deactivate the SCRs when the output welding current is equal to or less than the set low current and an arc starting device to cause the first rectifier to output a high pulse by operation of the SCRs of the network.

Abstract: A rotative mounting arrangement for a wire supply reel off which the coiled wire thereon is fed by feed rolls comprises a reel mounting spindle axially and rotatively locked within the hub of the reel and provided at its exposed opposite ends with mounting journals for rotatively supporting the spindle in upwardly opening V-shaped trunnion type journal bearings. The spindle journals and trunnion type journal bearings are formed with axially facing cooperating bearing surfaces axially tapered at corresponding relatively steep angles to the spindle axis to have a wedge type bearing interengagement providing a self-adjusting friction drag braking action on the rotative movement of the reel that serves to prevent overrunning of the reel on stoppage of the feeding of the wire supply off the reel.

Abstract: An automatic presettable welding system which enables the user to preset the arc voltage and wire feed speed to precise predetermined values without either energizing the wire with arc voltage or initiating the wire feed. A meter is supplied with an appropriate signal so the readout corresponds to the desired wire feed speed or the desired arc voltage and these same signals are supplied to wire feed speed or arc voltage comparative circuits which then function to energize a wire feed motor or an arc welding power source to the precise wire feed speed or arc voltage indicated on the meter. Means are provided for controlling the acceleration of the wire feed drive motor and a controlled initiation of the arc voltage at the beginning of each weld. Overload, over-voltage and under-voltage or over or under wire feed speed and other protective circuits are provided with appropriate delays in the functioning thereof to insure fully automatic and satisfactory welding.