Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.

Abstract: A welder comprises a source of electrical welding current. A housing houses the source and has front and rear walls and a top wall. A control device, for controlling a condition of the welder, is located along the top wall. A rear wheel is attached to the housing and has a portion located both rearward and downward from the housing. This enables the welder to pivot about the rear wheel between an upright position and a lying position. A front wheel and a foot are attached to the housing. In the upright position, the front and rear wheels engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor. In the lying position, the rear wheel and the foot engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having a metal enclosure and a plastic end panels affixed to the enclosure to contain therein the various electrical components of the welding apparatus. There is an internal negative electrical stud within the metal enclosure that has a high voltage applied to the stud. A protective, non-conductive electrical shield is located between the electrical stud and other conductive components within the welding apparatus to prevent arcing between the electrical stud and those conductive components as well as to prevent arcing between the electrical stud and the metal enclosure itself.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement for a welder enclosure includes a door panel having at least one hinge at one end that is engagable in a slot of a base to allow the door panel to move between a maximum closed position to a maximum open position. The hinge and slot arrangement of the door panel and base allow the door panel to open and close through a rotation point from a maximum open position to a maximum closed position, and also allows complete removal of the door panel at certain positions between the maximum open position and the maximum closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding power is disclosed. It includes a transformer with a primary winding and an output secondary winding. The ac side of a rectifier circuit is connected to the output secondary. A battery or other energy storage device, such as a capacitor, is connected in series with the dc side of the rectifier. The series combination is disposed to be connected to the load. Preferably, an input circuit receives a 115 volt ac input. The transformer has a primary to secondary turns ratio of at least about 9:1.

Abstract: An integrated mobile tool and welder power supply system includes a primary DC power source coupled to a power supply chassis for supplying DC power to DC-operated power equipment such as welders and AC power to AC-powered equipment such as standard AC power tools. The power supply chassis houses a power inverter for transforming DC power from the primary DC power source into AC power and one or more power converters for supplying a recharging current to the primary DC power source from one or both of an external AC power source or an external DC power source. The power supply system can be configured such that if an external AC power source is available, that AC power source is electrically coupled to an AC output terminal for supplying AC-powered tools. In one embodiment, the switching of AC output power from the power inverter to the external AC power source may be overridden by means of an AC output mode selection switch.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having a specially designed receptacle that is formed on the rear molded plastic panel that is affixed to an enclosure in assembling the welding apparatus. A gas valve having a hexagonal body fits snugly into a mating hexagonal shaped of the receptacle. A pair of fingers extend outwardly from the rear panel and have distal ends with barbs formed thereon. In the assembly of the welding apparatus, therefore, the gas valve is simply inserted into the complementary shaped receptacle formed in the rear panel and the barbs snap over the external surface of the gas valve to retain the gas in the desired position affixed to the rear panel while automatically aligning a gas inlet port of the gas valve with an opening in the rear panel to allow accessibility of the gas inlet to an external source of gas.

Abstract: A generator for unitary power factor arc welders, of the type that comprises a current transformer (104) that supplies, at a secondary winding thereof, a welding arc and is in turn supplied, at a primary winding thereof, by an input leveling and rectifying unit (101), between the rectifier unit and the transformer being interposed an electronic circuit (103) with two electronic switches that provide a half-bridge structure that performs DC/DC conversion by way of the combination of the transformer and of a rectifier stage (105) connected to the secondary winding of the transformer, and a leveling inductor (106), the circuit having the combination of resonant capacitive and inductive components arranged on the side of the primary winding of the transformer, the components charging the bank of capacitors arranged downstream of the electronic switches, furthermore keeping the voltage across it constant, means being also provided which are suitable to control the welding current and to ensure sinusoidal-type abso

Abstract: A core composition of a metal-cored wire comprising a combination of graphite and potassium compounds has been proven to stabilize the arc in a straight polarity welding configuration. In particular, adding a combination of graphite and potassium manganese titanate (K2MnTiO4) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4) in the preferred combination of graphite and potassium compounds from the range of about 0.3% to about 5.0% wt resulted in a greatly stabilized arc, reduced spatter and reduced warpage while maintaining high deposition rates of the DCEN welding process.

Abstract: A power cord assembly for a welding-type power supply includes a power cord and a plurality of adaptors. The power cord is adapted for attachment to the welding-type power supply and is capable of providing any of a plurality of input voltage signals to the welding-type power supply via the plurality of adaptors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with an engine driven inverter power supply includes generating an ac output with an engine and generator. The output is rectified and inverted to provide an ac inverter output. The engine is controlled using feedback indicative of a welding output operating parameter. The feedback may also be taken from the inverter or generator, and the generator may be controlled instead of or in addition to the engine. Engine parameters that may be controlled include engine speed, selecting between an idle speed and a run speed, a throttle position, a fuel pump, an injection timer, a fuel to air ratio, fuel consumption and ignition timing. Another aspect of the invention is having the feedback be responsive to one or more of the welding current, welding voltage, welding power, or functions thereof. The feedback may be responsive to the current, voltage, power, ripple and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of welding-type systems, and the systems, are disclosed. The power supplies are each suitable for at least one of a plurality of processes, and have “N” (an integer) power modules in parallel. Each power module produces a module output power, and has a maximum output power of at least Ppm. Each power module has a similar preregulator that receives any input voltage over a range of input voltages and/or power factor corrects the input, and they include a converter circuit connected to the preregulator. The number N is determined by determining a desired maximum system power Pd1 for a first particular system, and by dividing Ppm into Pd1. There can be two types of power modules, with different output power. The output circuit may include an inverter that inverts dc power, and/or a switched snubber. The preregulator may includes an SVT and/or an SCT circuit.

Abstract: A welding system comprising a welding-type power source and a protective cover for the welding-type power source. The protective cover may be comprised of a synthetic fabric and a polymeric fluid barrier. The protective cover may have a member secured to the synthetic fabric to enable a user to grip the member to lift the cover from the welding-type power source. The protective cover may have a plurality of eyelets to enable the cover to be drawn against the welding-type power source. The protective cover may comprise a portion adapted to receive an exhaust pipe of the welding-type power source. The portion of the cover adapted to receive the exhaust pipe may comprise a heat-resistant synthetic fabric.

Abstract: A storage box for welding and plasma cutting applications is disclosed. The storage box is configured to be mounted in an opening in the chassis of a welding-type power supply. The storage box is preferably secured in the opening using one or more grooves, one or two fasteners or a combination of one or more grooves and one or more fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of linking several current sources, in particular several welding devices (1; 27; 28), plasma current sources or similar. Operating individually and independently of one another, a process control and/or regulating system (4; 31; 32) in every welding device (1; 27; 28) transmits desired values to a voltage-to-current controller of a power component (3; 29; 30). The power component (3; 29; 30) supplies a consumer connected to output jacks (38, 39; 40, 41; 42, 43) with power on the basis of the desired values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding power is disclosed. It includes a transformer with a primary winding and an output secondary winding. The ac side of a rectifier circuit is connected to the output secondary. A battery or other energy storage device, such as a capacitor, is connected in series with the dc side of the rectifier. The series combination is disposed to be connected to the load. Preferably, an input circuit receives a 115 volt ac input. The transformer has a primary to secondary turns ratio of at least about 9:1.

Abstract: An electric arc welder powered by a plurality of liquid organic fuel cells. The fuel cells use a methanol/water mixture as the organic feed. The fuel cells produce carbon dioxide as a reactive product which is used an a shielding gas during the arc welding process. The fuel cells are stacked together to produce the desired arc voltage and current between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc welder includes a welding current to control the current wave shape through the electrode and to control or increase the voltage through the electrode.

Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, preferably phase controlled, a controller and a robotic interface. The components are in a single housing. the controller is externally controlled. An adaptor cord connects a robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: Hybrid welding process using a laser beam and an electric arc to produce a weld bead. The electric arc is established between an electrode connected to a first pole of a current source and at least one workpiece to be welded and connected to a second pole of a current source via at least one electrically conducting earth contactor in contact with the workpiece to be welded. To obtain effective welding, a contact is made between the earth contactor and the workpiece to be welded laterally and/or upstream of the point of impingement of the electric arc on the workpiece(s) to be welded, and considering the direction of formation of the welded joint, so as to balance the forces associated with the induced electromagnetic field acting on the puddle of liquid metal.

Abstract: A drawer or other movable storage compartment disposed inside of a welding-type power supply for storing accessories used in welding, plasma cutting and induction heating applications is disclosed.

Abstract: A welding generator comprising an input rectifier stage, a bank of leveling capacitors, an inverter block, a transformer, a rectifier stage and an inductor downstream of which the arc forms and an input voltage adapting regulator stage having, in series at the output of the input rectifier, a first controlled electronic switch with in output a first diode also connected to the common line, an inductor, a second controlled electronic switch and a second diode being connected in series downstream of the first controlled electronic switch, the output of the inductor being connected to the common line, the second diode being connected to the bank of leveling capacitors; the voltage Vin measured at the output of the rectifier stage having thus the same orientation as the voltage V0 measured across the bank of leveling capacitors.

Abstract: An electric arc welder powered by a plurality of liquid organic fuel cells. The fuel cells use a methanol/water mixture as the organic feed. The fuel cells produce carbon dioxide as a reactive product which is used an a shielding gas during the arc welding process. The fuel cells are stacked together to produce the desired arc voltage and current between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc welder includes a welding current to control the current wave shape through the electrode and to control or increase the voltage through the electrode.

Abstract: A generator for arc welding machines provided with an input rectifier stage which has a unit power factor and comprises an inductor, on the mains side, two diodes and two electronic switches, one for each diode, which are driven by a driver which renders the absorption of the input rectifier stage practically sinusoidal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of welding-type systems, and the systems, are disclosed. The power supplies are each suitable for at least one of a plurality of processes, and have “N” (an integer) power modules in parallel. Each power module produces a module output power, and has a maximum output power of at least Ppm. Each power module has a similar preregulator that receives any input voltage over a range of input voltages and/or power factor corrects the input, and they include a converter circuit connected to the preregulator. The number N is determined by determining a desired maximum system power Pd1 for a first particular system, and by dividing Ppm into Pd1. There can be two types of power modules, with different output power. The output circuit may include an inverter that inverts dc power, and/or a switched snubber. The preregulator may includes an SVT and/or an SCT circuit.

Abstract: An electric arc welder powered by a plurality of liquid organic fuel cells. The fuel cells use a methanol/water mixture as the organic feed. The fuel cells produce carbon dioxide as a reactive product which is used an a shielding gas during the arc welding process. The fuel cells are stacked together to produce the desired arc voltage and current between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc welder includes a welding current to control the current wave shape through the electrode and to control or increase the voltage through the electrode.

Abstract: An electric arc welder with a variable AC voltage input of up to 600 VAC and a rectifier to provide a DC link, a driven high frequency boost stage with first and second leads connected to the DC link. The boost stage comprises an inductor, a first series output branch with a first primary winding connected to the first lead and a first capacitor connected to the second lead, a second series output branch with a second primary winding connected to the second lead and a second capacitor connected to the first lead and a high frequency operated switch between the leads and having an opened condition charging said capacitors by current through the primary windings in a first direction and discharging the inductor and a closed condition charging the inductor through the primary windings by current in a second direction and discharging the inductor to charge the capacitors. The switch is operated by a power factor control circuit at a frequency greater than about 18 kHz.

Abstract: A power cord assembly for a welding-type power supply is disclosed. The power cord assembly includes a power cord and a plurality of adaptors. The power cord is adapted for attachment to the welding-type power supply and is capable of providing any of a plurality of input voltage signals to the welding-type power supply via the plurality of adaptors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides welding-type power is disclosed. It includes a power source, a welding output, an inductor winding and an auxiliary winding. The inductor winding is in electrical communication with the power source and the welding output. The auxiliary winding is preferably in magnetic communication with the inductor winding, and in electrical communication with the power source and the welding output. A switch is in electrical communication with the auxiliary winding, a controller with a control output is connected to the switch, the auxiliary winding is anti-parallel with the inductor winding in the preferred embodiment. The auxiliary winding may be used to create a variable output inductance.

Abstract: A welding machine power supply has two circuits for cooling air. A primary circuit comprises a magnetics chamber and a second chamber. A fan between the magnetics and second chambers draws atmospheric air through one end panel into the magnetics chamber and blows it through the second chamber. The second chamber is comprised of a pair of heat sinks. Major heat generating components are mounted to the heat sinks outside the second chamber. The fan is sandwiched between the magnetics chamber and the heat sinks such that all the air blown by the fan flows through the heat sinks and out a second end panel. A wind tunnel is also part of the second chamber. A counterflow circuit extends from the second end panel to the magnetics chamber. The negative pressure in the magnetics chamber draws atmospheric air through the second end panel to the magnetics chamber, thereby cooling minor heat generating components outside of the primary circuit and not associated with the heat sinks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding with a robotic welder is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, preferably phase controlled, a controller and a robotic interface. The components are in a single housing. the controller is externally controlled. An adaptor cord connects a robot controller to the power supply. The controller also has an automatic set-up control connected to the power control output.

Abstract: An electric arc welding machine has a housing, an arc-generating device, a current adjusting device and a controller. The arc-generating device is mounted in the housing to generate an electric arc. The current adjusting device has a rotatable shaft, a movable magnetic core and an induction coil. A motor is mounted in the housing to rotate the current adjusting device shaft through a transmission device. The controller has a remote switch unit and a receiver. The switch unit is used to send a control signal from a separate location far from the welding machine. The receiver is mounted on the housing and is electrically connected to the motor to receive the signal sent from the switch unit. The user can adjust the current applied to the arc-generating device at a separate location far from the welding machine. The use of the welding machine becomes more convenient.

Abstract: A shunt controlled welding machine has a regulator handle and a scale that indicates output amperage on the same panel of the welding machine case. The handle attaches to a shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation to move a shunt into and out of a transformer. The handle is part of a planocentric gear. Teeth on an indicator mesh with teeth on a pinion that is fixed to the case panel. By turning the handle, the indicator orbits and slowly revolves about the shaft axis of rotation. The indicator has a pointer that indicates the welding machine output amperage on the scale.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for series inductance-reactance control of a transformer in a welder. The transformer includes a transformer core configured to conduct magnetic flux and at least one primary winding connected to a voltage source that excites the primary windings. Secondary windings, configured to generate secondary voltages and currents for welding, are wound about each of the primary windings and are magnetically coupled to the magnetic flux in the transformer core. The transformer also includes a control core magnetically coupled with a secondary winding, wherein the control core has an inductive reactance in response to the flow of secondary current from the secondary winding. The secondary current is adjustable by varying an air gap between core sections of the control core. A crank mechanism configured to move one of the core sections with respect to the other and vary the distance of the air gap.

Abstract: A power circuit for a welding power supply includes a control circuit, a power conversion circuit, a filter circuit, and a supplemental power circuit. The control circuit is configured to provide control signals to the power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit is configured to generate a welding power based on the control signals. The filter circuit is configured to filter the welding power and to provide the filtered welding power at a welding output. The supplemental power circuit is configured to provide a supplemental power, wherein the supplemental power circuit is coupled across the filter circuit such that the filter circuit filters the supplemental power.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a power supply of a plasma arc system. According to the method, any AC input voltage within a range of input voltages is provided into the input stage and a rectified output voltage is thereby generated. The rectified output voltage is provided into the power factor corrected boost stage and a DC signal is thereby generated. The DC signal is provided into an auxiliary power supply and a regulated power signal is thereby generated. The regulated power signal is provided into a digital signal processor module and an output control signal is thereby generated. The output control signal is provided into the inverter stage and a plasma arc current is thereby generated.

Abstract: An electric arc welder powered by a plurality of liquid organic fuel cells. The fuel cells use a methanol/water mixture as the organic feed. The fuel cells produce carbon dioxide as a reactive product which is used an a shielding gas during the arc welding process. The fuel cells are stacked together to produce the desired arc voltage and current between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc welder includes a welding current to control the current wave shape through the electrode and to control or increase the voltage through the electrode.

Abstract: First and second CV power sources are connected in parallel. The first CV source provides an output sufficient for welding. The second CV source also has an output sufficient for welding, but at is at a voltage less than the voltage of the output of the first CV source and may also have a lower current output. Voltage from the first CV source is blocked from being applied to the second CV source, preferably by diodes or SCRs. The second CV source is a background source with a secondary and a rectifier, preferably a center tapped secondary with a full wave rectifier, and an inductor between the output. The first CV source is a welding source with a secondary and a rectifier, preferably a center tapped secondary with a full wave rectifier, and an inductor between the rectifier and the output.

Abstract: An electric arc welder powered by a plurality of liquid organic fuel cells. The fuel cells use a methanol/water mixture as the organic feed. The fuel cells produce carbon dioxide as a reactive product which is used an a shielding gas during the arc welding process. The fuel cells are stacked together to produce the desired arc voltage and current between an electrode and the workpiece. The arc welder includes a welding current to control the current wave shape through the electrode and to control or increase the voltage through the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a welding system capable of freely controlling the dispersion and concentration of arc heat over the groove face with an extreamly narrow gap and a high strength and high quality welded joint structure which is formed by this welding system and which is capable of preventing softening/hardening of the structure, the lowering of the toughness thereof and the generation of a crack. According to the welding system, the melting rate of a welding wire is controlled relative to the welding wire feeding rate by changing the characteristic of an arc current so that the range of behavior and the transfer rate of the arc pole (the arc generating main point at a groove surface) are controlled. Further, the welded joint structure consists of a high strength steel having a superfine grain structure with a carbon equivalent of as low a less than 0.

Abstract: A welding generator comprising an input rectifier stage, a bank of leveling capacitors, an inverter block, a transformer, a rectifier stage and an inductor downstream of which the arc forms and an input voltage adapting regulator stage having , in series at the output of the input rectifier, a first controlled electronic switch with in output a first diode also connected to the common line, an inductor, a second controlled electronic switch and a second diode being connected in series downstream of the first controlled electronic switch, the output of the inductor being connected to the common line, the second diode being connected to the bank of leveling capacitors; the voltage Vin measured at the output of the rectifier stage having thus the same orientation as the voltage V0 measured across the bank of leveling capacitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (4) for a welding apparatus (1) or a welding facility, comprising a welding torch (10) connected to the welding apparatus (1) via connecting lines, wherein at least one input device (22) and/or a display device (23) are arranged on the welding torch (10). The control device (4) is connected to a serial data bus, in particular a field bus, to which the welding torch (10) and/or additional components of the welding apparatus (1) and/or the welding facility are attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding current is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding. The welding current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and an auxiliary power controller that can receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller.

Abstract: A plasma arc cutting power supply, and method of providing plasma cutting power, is disclosed. It includes a source of power having, preferably an engine or transformer based power source, that provides a main power output and an auxiliary power output. A two-state configuration circuit is in electrical communication with the auxiliary power output. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a first magnitude with a non-floating ground when the configuration circuit is in its first state. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a second magnitude, preferably different than the first magnitude, with a floating ground, when the configuration circuit is in its second state. When a plasma cutting circuit is connected to the auxiliary power output the configuration circuit is set in its second state. The plasma cutting circuit includes at least one chopper. A safety circuit that disables the plasma output includes a GFI or optical isolator.

Abstract: A portable feeder for welding wire used to charge a welding wire guide system with a new coil of wire upon depletion of the previous welding wire coil. A casing includes a drive roller driven by a portable drill or the like, and a backup roller movably mounted upon the casing squeezes the welding wire passing through the casing between the rollers rapidly feeding the welding wire into guides formed on the casing in alignment with the wire guide system.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit disposed within a casing. The power supply unit includes power semiconductor devices. A fan is provided in the casing for cooling the power semiconductor devices. The power supply unit is operated in a plurality of contiguous cycles each including a running and pausing modes of operation. Each cycle lasting a relatively short time period. The power supply unit operates in the running mode and the pausing mode, respectively in response to the closing and opening of a start switch. In association with the closing and opening of the start switch, a switch for the cooling fan causes the fan to rotate and stop, respectively, which results in minimizing the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the power semiconductor devices so that the lifetime of the power semiconductor devices can be prolonged.

Abstract: A portable welding unit comprising a housing. The housing contains a first battery and a second battery connected in series. Each of the batteries is a sealed, non-spillable battery. Each battery has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The welding unit has a first clamp electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first sealed, non-spillable battery. The first clamp extends outside the housing and is adapted to be connected to a ground of an object to be welded. A welding gun is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the second sealed, non-spillable battery. The welding gun extends outside the housing. A wire feed mechanism is located in the housing and is connected to the battery for extending wire through the welding gun. A spool of consumable electrode wire is rotatably connected to the housing. This wire is supplied to the welding gun via the wire feed mechanism. In operation, the user connects the first clamp to ground.

Abstract: A shunt controlled welding machine has a regulator handle and a scale that indicates output amperage on the same panel of the welding machine case. The handle attaches to a shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation to move a shunt into and out of a transformer. The handle is part of a planocentric gear. Teeth on an indicator mesh with teeth on a pinion that is fixed to the case panel. By turning the handle, the indicator orbits and slowly revolves about the shaft axis of rotation. The indicator has a pointer that indicates the welding machine output amperage on the scale.