Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting phase loss in a cutting or welding system is provided. The apparatus preferably includes a cutting or welding torch and a power source operatively connected to the torch. The power source for a cutting or welding system preferably has a power circuit which includes an electrical input line positioned to receive power from an external power supply, a transformer having a primary side connected to the input line and a secondary side, a rectifier operatively connected to the secondary side of the transformer, and an output line connected to the rectifier. The power source also has a phase loss detector operatively connected to the secondary side of the transformer for detecting phase loss responsive to a ripple voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying data to a user of a cutting or welding system is provided. The apparatus preferably has an arc torch including at least an electrode having an arc discharge end and means for creating an electrical arc extending from the electrode to a workpiece and a cutting or welding power source operatively connected to the arc torch for supplying power to the arc torch. The cutting or welding power source preferably includes a power circuit having an electrical input line positioned to receive power from an external power supply, a transformer having a primary side connected to the input line and a secondary side, a rectifier connected to the secondary side of the transformer, and an output line connected to the rectifier.

Abstract: A method and control circuit for terminating a consumable electrode electric arc welding operation which comprises monitoring the welding parameters of the wire drive motor speed and the arc working voltage, comparing the monitored levels with a multiple number of present combinations of both arc working voltage and motor speed with at least one preset combination defining a high arc working voltage representing a long arc condition and with the last preset combination including a motor speed of relatively close to zero; evaluating each preset combination in tandum to determine if the conditions of a preset combination are satisfied and interrupting the power supplied to the arc in response to the satisfied combination of preset conditions.

Abstract: A method for controlling selected switching between preset welding schedules in a MIG welding operation, in response to operation from a single control switch having only on and off signal selections.

Abstract: Electric welding system having a governor control for regulating the speed of the electrode drive motor and for controlling the direction of motor rotation in response to voltage and current welding parameters such that during welding the motor is driven in a forward direction toward the workpiece and under the control of a weld speed potentiometer whereas during a short circuit condition and at termination of the welding operation the motor direction is reversed.

Abstract: A touchwork system for use in conjunction with a MIG arc welding apparatus comprising a sensing circuit operating at very low output voltages, e.g. 6-8 volts, which senses the touch of the consumable wire electrode to the workpiece when the welding process is started. A control circuit energizes the welding contactor in response to a signal from the sensing circuit and turns on the power supply. At the same time, the control circuit starts the wire feeder motor and also the flow of shielding gas to the torch. A detector circuit detects the flow of welding current and feeds a signal to the control circuit to keep the welding contactor energized and the power supply in circuit and also to maintain operation of the wire feeder motor and the flow of shielding gas to the torch.