Abstract: In certain embodiments, a portable metal working robot system includes a metal working tool configured to perform a metal working process on one or more metal parts. In addition, the portable metal working robot system includes communication circuitry configured to receive control signals from a control system located remotely from the portable metal working robot system. The portable metal working robot system also includes control circuitry configured to control operational parameters of the portable metal working robot system in accordance with the received control signals.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, inductive heating is added to a metal working process, such as a welding process, by an induction heating head. The induction heating head may be adapted specifically for this purpose, and may include one or more coils to direct and place the inductive energy, protective structures, and so forth. Productivity of a welding process may be improved by the application of heat from the induction heating head. The heating is in addition to heat from a welding arc, and may facilitate application of welding wire electrode materials into narrow grooves and gaps, as well as make the processes more amenable to the use of certain compositions of welding wire, shielding gasses, flux materials, and so forth. In addition, distortion and stresses are reduced by the application of the induction heating energy in addition to the welding arc source.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, inductive heating is added to a metal working process, such as a welding process, by an induction heating head. The induction heating head may be adapted specifically for this purpose, and may include one or more coils to direct and place the inductive energy, protective structures, and so forth. Productivity of a welding process may be improved by the application of heat from the induction heating head. The heating is in addition to heat from a welding arc, and may facilitate application of welding wire electrode materials into narrow grooves and gaps, as well as make the processes more amenable to the use of certain compositions of welding wire, shielding gasses, flux materials, and so forth. In addition, distortion and stresses are reduced by the application of the induction heating energy in addition to the welding arc source.

Abstract: A metal fabrication system includes one or more sensors configured to transmit a first signal relating to a first condition of an environment of the metal fabrication system, processing circuitry coupled to the one or more sensors, and a feedback device coupled to the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to determine the first condition of the environment based at least in part on the first signal and to compare the first condition to a first threshold. The feedback device is configured to provide a first notification when the first condition satisfies the first threshold.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, inductive heating is added to a metal working process, such as a welding process, by an induction heating head. The induction heating head may be adapted specifically for this purpose, and may include one or more coils to direct and place the inductive energy, protective structures, and so forth. Productivity of a welding process may be improved by the application of heat from the induction heating head. The heating is in addition to heat from a welding arc, and may facilitate application of welding wire electrode materials into narrow grooves and gaps, as well as make the processes more amenable to the use of certain compositions of welding wire, shielding gasses, flux materials, and so forth. In addition, distortion and stresses are reduced by the application of the induction heating energy in addition to the welding arc source.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatter generating event during a welding application. The method includes capturing data that corresponds to a welding current of the welding application. The method also includes detecting parameters associated with a short circuit from the captured data. The method includes analyzing the detected parameters to monitor the spatter generating event during the welding application.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding power supply, a wire feeder coupled to the welding power supply, and a welding torch coupled to the wire feeder and configured to output wire from the wire feeder is provided. In particular, the welding system includes a wireless module (e.g., gateway) disposed within a component of the welding system, or as an independent component within the welding system. For example, the wireless module may be disposed within the welding power supply, the wire feeder, or the welding torch. The wireless module is configured to wirelessly transmit to and receive welding information, such as operator identification information, from a wireless personal device. The wireless personal device is uniquely associated with a welding operator operating the welding system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatter generating event during a welding application. The method includes capturing data that corresponds to a welding current of the welding application. The method also includes detecting parameters associated with a short circuit from the captured data. The method includes analyzing the detected parameters to monitor the spatter generating event during the welding application.

Abstract: Ammunition dispensing receptacles have an elongated tubular body having opposed first and second ends, the body defining a storage chamber, the body having an opening at the first end operable to receive and dispense ammunition, a follower received in the chamber and operable to reciprocate between the first end and the second end, the follower being spring biased toward the first end, and the follower being operable to pivot with respect to the body, such that a varying number of tapered ammunition elements may be supported by the follower. The body may define an elongated channel, and the follower may include a protruding pivot element received within the channel. The channel may have an end portion adjacent to the first end, such that the motion of the follower toward the first end is limited by the end portion of the channel.

Abstract: An article transport vehicle including a frame and at least one wheel supporting the frame on a substrate. The vehicle further includes a support surface extending outwardly from the frame and a lift device secured to the support surface. The lift device is capable of axial movement at an angle relative to the support surface to selectively establish a raised position or lowered position of the support surface relative the substrate.

Abstract: A metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method, includes accessing data representative of a parameter sampled during a metal fabrication operation of a metal fabrication resource, the resource being selectable by a user from a listing of individual and groups of resources. Via at least one computer processor, the accessed parameter is processed to determine an analyzed system parameter, and a user viewable dashboard page is populated with graphical indicia representative of the analyzed system parameter, and transmitted the user viewable dashboard page to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for determining weld travel speed. In one example, a welding system includes one or more sensors configured to provide a first indication correspond to a welding arc at a first time and to provide a second indication correspond to the welding arc at a second time. The welding system also includes processing circuitry configured to receive the first indication, to receive the second indication, and to determine a weld travel speed based on a weld length of the workpiece and a difference between the first and second times.

Abstract: A welding system includes a repositionable temperature sensor. The repositionable temperature sensor is configured to detect temperatures corresponding to a workpiece and to provide temperature data corresponding to the detected temperatures. The welding system also includes a power supply configured to receive the temperature data from the temperature sensor. The power supply is configured to modify control of an output of the power supply based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems and related equipment may be monitored by collecting and transmitting parameter data relating to welding operations to a memory and processing system. Goals for selected parameters may be pre-defined, and certain of these may be standard for corresponding welding systems, locations, operations, operators, and so forth. Upon request a web based report is generated and delivered to a user that indicates the system or systems, comparisons of the actual system performance versus the goals, time periods for the comparisons, and so forth.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems, such as welding systems and related equipment may be monitored and parameters sensed or calculated during metal fabrication operations. The parameter values are stored and transmitted to a web based analysis system. Sampled values of the parameters are used to generate graphical presentations that are used to populate user viewable pages. The pages may be configured by users, and systems and parameters of interest selected.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems, such as welding systems and related equipment may be analyzed and performance compared by collecting parameter data from the systems during welding operations via a web based system. The data is stored and analyzed upon request by a user. A user viewable page may be provided that allows for selection of systems and groups of systems of interest. Parameters to be used as the basis for comparison may also be selected. Pages illustrating the comparisons may be generated and transmitted to the user based upon the selections.

Abstract: A system and method for determining settings or parameters for a welding-type power source are provided. By presenting an operator with an interface that is positioned along the path of a weld cable and configured to input weld characteristics, an operator is not required to determine electrical parameters for setting a welding-type power source output at the power source. The interface is presented to the operator at a remote welding-type device, such as a wire feeder, a weld robot, a torch, or the like. From the operator-specified weld characteristics, the system and method determine appropriate settings for the power source. In some embodiments, the system and method may automatically set the power source accordingly.

Abstract: A system for detecting welding, and cutting parameters is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an input terminal configured to receive signals corresponding to welding or cutting parameters from a first welding or cutting device. None of the signals carry welding power. The system also includes an output terminal configured to provide the signals to a second welding or cutting device. The system includes conductors coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal and configured to carry the signals between the input terminal and the output terminal. The system also includes control circuitry configured to detect the welding or cutting parameters from the signals.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatter generating event during a welding application. The method includes capturing data that corresponds to a welding current of the welding application. The method also includes detecting parameters associated with a short circuit from the captured data. The method includes analyzing the detected parameters to monitor the spatter generating event during the welding application.

Abstract: A stud welding process may be performed by a power supply that is adapted for other welding processes, such as MIG, TIG, and so forth. A stud welding gun may receive studs preloaded in a magazine or other support. Studs are charged into the chuck of a stud welding gun and positioned where desired over a surface. An extension, such as a wire-type electrode may extend from the stud and aid in establishing the welding arc. The stud may be shielded by a nozzle or other shield to obviate the need for ceramic ferrules. Orientation of the stud welding gun may be detected, displayed and used as a basis for initiating and completing the stud welding process once the gun and/or stud is properly positioned.